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Definition of paragraph - 7 dictionary results

par⋅a⋅graph

  [par-uh-graf, -grahf]
Use paragraph in a Sentence
–noun
1. a distinct portion of written or printed matter dealing with a particular idea, usually beginning with an indentation on a new line.
2. a paragraph mark.
3. a note, item, or brief article, as in a newspaper.
–verb (used with object)
4. to divide into paragraphs.
5. to write or publish paragraphs about, as in a newspaper.
6. to express in a paragraph.
Origin:
1515–25; earlier paragraphe < Gk paragraph marked passage; see para- 1 , graph

Related forms:
par⋅a⋅graph⋅ism, noun
par⋅a⋅gra⋅phis⋅ti⋅cal  [par-uh-gruh-fis-ti-kuhl] , adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To paragraph
par·a·graph   (pār'ə-grāf')   
n.  
  1. A distinct division of written or printed matter that begins on a new, usually indented line, consists of one or more sentences, and typically deals with a single thought or topic or quotes one speaker's continuous words.
  2. A mark ( ¶ ) used to indicate where a new paragraph should begin or to serve as a reference mark.
  3. A brief article, notice, or announcement, as in a newspaper.
tr.v.   par·a·graphed, par·a·graph·ing, par·a·graphs
To divide or arrange into paragraphs.

[Middle English paragraf, from Old French paragrafe, from Medieval Latin paragraphus, from Greek paragraphos, line showing a break in sense or a change of speakers in a dialogue, from paragraphein, to write beside : para-, beside; see para-1 + graphein, to write; see gerbh- in Indo-European roots.]
par'a·graph'ic, par'a·graph'i·cal adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Paragraph

Par"a*graph\, n. [F. paragraphe, LL. paragraphus, fr. Gr. para`grafos (sc. grammh`) a line or stroke drawn in the margin, fr. paragra`fein to write beside; para` beside + gra`fein to write. See Para-, and Graphic, and cf. Paraph.]

1. Originally, a marginal mark or note, set in the margin to call attention to something in the text, e. g., a change of subject; now, the character [para], commonly used in the text as a reference mark to a footnote, or to indicate the place of a division into sections.

Note: This character is merely a modification of a capital P (the initial of the word paragraph), the letter being reversed, and the black part made white and the white part black for the sake of distinctiveness.

2. A distinct part of a discourse or writing; any section or subdivision of a writing or chapter which relates to a particular point, whether consisting of one or many sentences. The division is sometimes noted by the mark ?, but usually, by beginning the first sentence of the paragraph on a new line and at more than the usual distance from the margin.

3. A brief composition complete in one typographical section or paragraph; an item, remark, or quotation comprised in a few lines forming one paragraph; as, a column of news paragraphs; an editorial paragraph.

Paragraph

Par"a*graph\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Paragraphed; p. pr. & vb. n. Paragraphing.]

1. To divide into paragraphs; to mark with the character [para].

2. To express in the compass of a paragraph; as, to paragraph an article.

3. To mention in a paragraph or paragraphs
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Language Translation for : paragraph
Spanish: párrafo,
German: der Abschnitt, der Paragraph,
Japanese: 段落
More Translations »

paragraph

A basic unit of prose. It is usually composed of several sentences that together develop one central idea. The main sentence in a paragraph is called the topic sentence.

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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paragraph 
1490, from M.Fr. paragraphe (13c., O.Fr. paragrafe), from M.L. paragraphus "sign for start of a new section of discourse" (the sign looked something like a stylized letter -P-), from Gk. paragraphos "short stroke in the margin marking a break in sense," also "a passage so marked," lit. "anything written beside," from paragraphein "write by the side," from para- "beside" + graphein "to write."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Main Entry: para·graph
Function: noun
: a distinct often numbered or otherwise designated section of a document or writing (as a statute or pleading)
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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