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

And at the Bancroft Library, much of the papyri has yet to be combed through. —Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 16 July 2024

The core fragrance instantly evokes Highgrove Gardens, with a rich cedar base, delicate top notes of cypress and lemon, and subtle hints of lavender, papyrus, and vetiver. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 10 July 2024

Researchers believe ancient Romans likely kept the papyri in a nearby office which was later destroyed, accidentally distributing its contents over the pet cemetery, as McClatchy’s Aspen Pflughoeft writes. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 May 2024

Among the animal graves, researchers have found countless ostracons—pieces of pottery etched with writing—but the papyri are the first paper texts to be found on-site. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 May 2024

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