paragraph
PA-ruhg-rahf
Paragraph (noun) means a distinct section of writing, usually several sentences long, dealing with a single idea and starting on a new line. Example: “The final paragraph of her letter thanked everyone for their kindness.”
noun
1
A distinct section of writing, usually several sentences long, dealing with a single idea and starting on a new line.
"The final paragraph of her letter thanked everyone for their kindness."
"Break the essay into shorter paragraphs for clarity."
"The opening paragraph should grab the reader's attention."
How to use paragraph
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA block of writing focused on one idea, set off from the rest of the text.
Common pairings
opening paragraph
a new paragraph
paragraph break
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like paragraph.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- paragraphs
- Third person singular
- paragraphs
- Past tense
- paragraphed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The final _____ of her letter thanked everyone for their kindness.
Etymology
From Greek paragraphos, from para- ("beside") + grapho ("to write") — originally a mark noting a new section of text.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “paragraph” mean?
The word “paragraph” means a distinct section of writing, usually several sentences long, dealing with a single idea and starting on a new line. In plain terms, a block of writing focused on one idea, set off from the rest of the text.
How do you pronounce “paragraph”?
“Paragraph” is pronounced PA-ruhg-rahf (/ˈpæɹəɡɹæf/ in IPA).
How do you use “paragraph” in a sentence?
Here is “paragraph” used in a sentence: “Break the essay into shorter paragraphs for clarity.”
What part of speech is “paragraph”?
“Paragraph” is a noun.
Where does the word “paragraph” come from?
The word “paragraph” comes from Greek. From Greek paragraphos, from para- ("beside") + grapho ("to write") — originally a mark noting a new section of text.
Is “paragraph” a common word?
“Paragraph” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many sentences should a paragraph have?
There is no fixed rule. A paragraph is usually several sentences long, and school writing often suggests three to five, but a single sentence can stand as a paragraph if it fully covers one idea. What defines a paragraph is that it deals with a single idea and starts on a new line.
What is the difference between a sentence and a paragraph?
A sentence is a single complete statement. A paragraph is a larger unit: a distinct section of writing, usually made up of several sentences, that deals with one idea and begins on a new line.
When should you start a new paragraph?
Start a new paragraph whenever you move to a new idea, and in stories whenever the speaker, time, or place changes. Visually, a new paragraph begins on a new line, usually marked by an indent or a blank line before it.
What is a topic sentence in a paragraph?
A topic sentence states the single main idea the paragraph deals with, and it usually comes first. The rest of the paragraph develops, explains, or supports that idea.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include paragraph:
