paragraph

1 of 2

noun

par·​a·​graph ˈper-ə-ˌgraf How to pronounce paragraph (audio)
ˈpa-rə-
1
a
: 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
paragraphic adjective

paragraph

2 of 2

verb

paragraphed; paragraphing; paragraphs

transitive verb

1
: to write paragraphs about
2
: to divide into paragraphs

intransitive verb

: to write paragraphs

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 a few key paragraphs within the 88-page filing mention the exclusion and social shaming of non-iPhone users confined inside green chat bubbles, distinguishing this case from some of the more recondite explanations of tech market competition in recent years. Lauren Goode, WIRED, 24 Mar. 2024 Now, if there was any belief that the Republic would honestly pay its obligations, there wouldn’t be any need for these kinds of paragraphs… The plaintiffs come in with difficult proposals, one after the other. Gregory Makoff, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for paragraph 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'paragraph.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1764, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of paragraph was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near paragraph

Cite this Entry

“Paragraph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paragraph. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

paragraph

1 of 2 noun
para·​graph
ˈpar-ə-ˌgraf
1
: a part of a writing or speech that develops in an organized manner one point of a subject or gives the words of one speaker
2
: a short written article (as in a newspaper) complete in one section

paragraph

2 of 2 verb
: to divide into or write paragraphs

Legal Definition

paragraph

noun
para·​graph
: a distinct often numbered or otherwise designated section of a document or writing (as a statute or pleading)

More from Merriam-Webster on paragraph

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