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
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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
PARAGRAPHS 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
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