First Known Use: 1525
Dictionary
1paragraph
noun par·a·graph \ˈper-ə-ˌgraf, ˈpa-rə-\
: a part of a piece of writing that usually deals with one subject, that begins on a new line, and that is made up of one or more sentences
Full Definition of PARAGRAPH
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 b : a short composition or note that is complete in one paragraph
2
: a character (as ¶) used to indicate the beginning of a paragraph and as a reference mark
— par·a·graph·ic \ˌper-ə-ˈgra-fik, ˌpa-rə-\ adjective
See paragraph defined for English-language learners
See paragraph defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of PARAGRAPH
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
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
Rhymes with PARAGRAPH
allograph, autograph, barograph, bathyscaphe, cenotaph, chronograph, circle graph, cryptograph, epigraph, epitaph, half-and-half, hectograph, holograph, homograph, hygrograph, kymograph, lithograph, logograph, micrograph, monograph, pantograph, phonograph, photograph, pictograph, polygraph, quarterstaff, seismograph, serigraph, shadowgraph, shandygaff, spectrograph, sphygmograph, telegraph, thermograph, typograph
2paragraph
verb
Definition of PARAGRAPH
transitive verb
1
: to write paragraphs about
2
: to divide into paragraphs
intransitive verb
: to write paragraphs
First Known Use of PARAGRAPH
1764
PARAGRAPH[1] Defined for Kids
paragraph
noun para·graph \ˈper-ə-ˌgraf\
Definition of PARAGRAPH for Kids
: a part of a piece of writing that is made up of one or more sentences and has to do with one topic or gives the words of one speaker
Learn More About PARAGRAPH
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: paragrapherPrevious Word in the Dictionary: paragramAll Words Near: paragraph
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up paragraph? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).