p

noun

ˈpē 

variants often P

plural p's or ps ˈpēz 

often attributive

1

a

: the 16th letter of the English alphabet

b

: a graphic representation of this letter

c

: a speech counterpart of orthographic p

2

: a graphic device for reproducing the letter p

3

: one designated p especially as the 16th in order or class

4

[abbreviation for pass]

a

: a grade rating a student's work as passing

b

: one graded or rated with a P

5

: something shaped like the letter P

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Words Starting With P

Browse 30,821 words and phrases that start with the letter P, from pa to pyx-jury.

Examples of p in a Sentence

a word that starts with a p

a word that starts with p

Recent Examples on the Web

The forward estimates used to calculate the P/E ratio would've been higher, making the stock look cheaper in hindsight . —Zev Fima, CNBC, 3 June 2026

In contrast, probabilistic computers use p-bits, which are electronic elements that fluctuate randomly between 0 and 1. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 2 June 2026

Using a small scrub brush, scrape out any gunk that's built in your P-trap. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 21 May 2026

Yet this strength masks an uncomfortable truth: Large-cap valuations remain elevated, with the index trading at a forward P/E of 21.9 as of May 8, well above the 10-year average of 18.9. —Ivan Illan, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing p

• mind one's p's and q's
• p's and q's
• p-type
• watch one's p's and q's

Kids Definition

p

noun

ˈpē

often capitalized

: the 16th letter of the English alphabet

Medical Definition

P

1 of 3 abbreviation

1

parental

2

part

3

percentile

4

pharmacopoeia

5

pint

6

pole

7

population

8

position

9

positive

10

posterior

11

pressure

12

pulse

13

pupil

P

2 of 3 symbol

phosphorus

p-

3 of 3 abbreviation

para-

p-dichlorobenzene