papyrus

noun

pa·​py·​rus pə-ˈpī-rəs 

plural papyri pə-ˈpī-(ˌ)rē 

-rī

or papyruses

1

: a tall perennial sedge (Cyperus papyrus) of the Nile valley

2

: the pith of the papyrus plant especially when made into strips and pressed into a material to write on

3

a

: a writing on papyrus

b

: a written scroll made of papyrus

He discovered a papyrus in the ruins.

Illustration of papyrus

• papyrus 1

Examples of papyrus in a Sentence

an ancient text written on papyrus

He discovered a papyrus in the ruins.

Recent Examples on the Web

One New Kingdom papyrus illustrates a curious case of power being projected along the river through sheer brinkmanship. —Vanessa Taylor, Big Think, 25 Sep. 2025

Woods weave through saffron, patchouli, cedar, sandalwood, and an incense-like haze, while a touch of papyrus adds an earthy edge. —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2025

Two thousand years ago, physicians in Egypt documented their patients’ symptoms and treatments on papyrus scrolls. —Seth Joseph, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025

There, game drives reveal elephants wading through papyrus channels, leopards draped over fig branches, and a dazzling array of birdlife. —Marni Granston, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin — more at paper

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

papyrus

noun

pa·​py·​rus pə-ˈpī-rəs 

plural papyri -ˈpī(ə)r-ē 

-ˌī

also papyruses

1

: a tall sedge of the Nile valley

2

: the soft central part of papyrus stems especially when made into strips and pressed into a writing material

3

: a writing on or written scroll of papyrus

Etymology

Middle English papyrus "papyrus," from Latin papyrus "papyrus, paper," from Greek papyros "papyrus" — related to paper