paragraph

noun

Save Word

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

Keep scrolling for more

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 One brutal paragraph at the end of the book serves as both a manifesto and an eloquent justification. — Meredith Maran, Los Angeles Times, "For a scorched-earth memoirist, truth-telling is a feminist act," 31 Mar. 2021 Instead, focus from your own perspective: Does this sentence, paragraph or idea spark joy? — Expert Panel®, Forbes, "10 Strategies To Ensure Every Piece Of Content Is On Point," 17 Mar. 2021 The story did provide one paragraph that offers broader context for the interstate border crossings and should be developed into another more accurate and interesting story. — Star Tribune, "Readers Write: Voting rights and integrity, COVID vaccinations, Wisconsin wolf hunt,," 13 Mar. 2021 State Police wrote in a two paragraph press release. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, "Franklin man allegedly drove 142 mph on New Hampshire Route 16," 8 Mar. 2021 That makes this a fun book to read, though a windy one, as the long quotation in the previous paragraph suggests. — Washington Post, "Why false narratives so often trump reality," 26 Feb. 2021 The report includes just one paragraph on ventilation, suggesting schools open windows in classrooms when possible. — San Francisco Chronicle, "Coronavirus updates from the Bay Area: Feb. 11-17, 2021," 25 Feb. 2021 After the principal refused to include the paragraph in a collection of fourth grade essays, the student’s mother sued the school for violating her daughter’s First Amendment rights. — David S. Cohen, Rolling Stone, "Pro-Trans Rights Student Shares Her Story of Being Censored in School," 19 Mar. 2021 But billboards aren’t designed for the paragraph-length typography found on several of them, which simply cannot be read at 55 mph. — Los Angeles Times, "Review: Desert X has a great big wall. Beyond that, this art biennial feels thin," 16 Mar. 2021

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

Keep scrolling for more