paragraph

noun

par·a·graph | \ ˈper-ə-ˌgraf

, ˈpa-rə-\

Definition of paragraph

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a subdivision of a written composition that consists of one or more sentences, deals with one point or gives the words of one speaker, and begins on a new usually indented line The introductory paragraphs were written by the editor.

b : a short composition or note that is complete in one paragraph

2 : a character (such as ¶) used to indicate the beginning of a paragraph and as a reference mark

paragraph

verb

paragraphed; paragraphing; paragraphs

Definition of paragraph (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to write paragraphs about

2 : to divide into paragraphs

intransitive verb

: to write paragraphs

Other Words from paragraph More Example Sentences Learn More about paragraph

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Examples of paragraph in a Sentence

Noun

In the second paragraph from the bottom, you've misspelled “their” as “thier.” Please refer to section 2, paragraph 4 for the appropriate information. The two introductory paragraphs were written by the editor.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

But in condensing 35 seasons of Indy-car history to one paragraph, Coyne does sort of gloss over decades of struggles on the racetrack and challenges at the bank. — Dave Kallmann, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Thirty-five years into his 'big climb,' Dale Coyne is closer to the peak than ever," 23 June 2018 After reading one too many multi-paragraph-long Facebook posts from friend-quaintences in their post-workout glee, curiosity got the best of me. — Grace Dickinson, Philly.com, "Which Philly-area spin studio classes are worth the hype and heavy price tag?," 29 May 2018 The one-paragraph Miami-Dade police report says no harm, no foul. — Charles Rabin, miamiherald, "Cheesecake Factory says it suspended employees for mocking black customer's MAGA hat | Miami Herald," 15 May 2018 Perhaps the two least honest paragraphs in American newspapers today arrive courtesy of socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.). — James Freeman, WSJ, "Remember When Chuck Schumer and Bernie Sanders Loved Business?," 4 Feb. 2019 Otherwise, you shall be bound to arbitrate disputes in accordance with the terms of those paragraphs. — sandiegouniontribune.com, "San Diego Union-Tribune Terms of Service," 25 June 2018 From month to month, events in the lives of the musicians are traced in vignettes that range from a single paragraph to several pages. — John Check, WSJ, "‘Making Music American’ Review: Turning Swords Into Saxophones," 28 Dec. 2018 Post updated in the last paragraph to clarify the $500 fee is only in the first year. — Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, "Meet Helm, the startup taking on Gmail with a server that runs in your home," 17 Oct. 2018 The next day a tiny paragraph appeared on the Times fashion page proclaiming a new designer. — Vogue, "In His Posthumous Memoir, Bill Cunningham Recalls His Bohemian Beginnings," 13 Aug. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'paragraph.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for paragraph

Noun and Verb

Middle English paragraf marginal sign marking a paragraph, from Anglo-French parogref, from Medieval Latin paragraphus, from Greek paragraphos line used to mark change of persons in a dialogue, from paragraphein to write alongside, from para- + graphein to write — more at carve