Illustration of papyrus
- papyrus 1
papyrus
noun
pa·py·rus
pə-ˈpī-rəs 
plural papyri
pə-ˈpī-(ˌ)rē
-rī
or papyruses
1
: a tall perennial sedge (Cyperus papyrus) of the Nile valley
2
: the pith of the papyrus plant especially when made into strips and pressed into a material to write on
3
a
: a writing on papyrus
b
: a written scroll made of papyrus
He discovered a papyrus in the ruins.
Examples of papyrus in a Sentence
an ancient text written on papyrus
He discovered a papyrus in the ruins.
Recent Examples on the Web
The surviving papyri copies of the Astrampsychi and the Homeromanteion are in Greek and come predominantly from northern Egypt.
—
Elizabeth Djinis, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024
The Rooms 1 of 3 Interior of a deluxe guest room at Kibale Lodge
Courtesy of Volcanoes Safaris
Bandas are built with local stone, wood, bamboo, and papyrus grass, all-natural materials that help create the unique soothing effect that all Volcanoes lodges are known for.
—Kate Lewis, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2024
And at the Bancroft Library, much of the papyri has yet to be combed through.
—Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 16 July 2024
The core fragrance instantly evokes Highgrove Gardens, with a rich cedar base, delicate top notes of cypress and lemon, and subtle hints of lavender, papyrus, and vetiver.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 10 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for papyrus 
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Elizabeth Djinis, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024
The Rooms 1 of 3 Interior of a deluxe guest room at Kibale Lodge
Courtesy of Volcanoes Safaris
Bandas are built with local stone, wood, bamboo, and papyrus grass, all-natural materials that help create the unique soothing effect that all Volcanoes lodges are known for.
—Kate Lewis, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2024
And at the Bancroft Library, much of the papyri has yet to be combed through.
—Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 16 July 2024
The core fragrance instantly evokes Highgrove Gardens, with a rich cedar base, delicate top notes of cypress and lemon, and subtle hints of lavender, papyrus, and vetiver.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 10 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for papyrus
Dictionary Entries Near papyrus
Cite this Entry
“Papyrus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/papyrus. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
papyrus
noun
pa·py·rus
pə-ˈpī-rəs
plural papyri
-ˈpī(ə)r-ē
-ˌī
also papyruses
1
: a tall sedge of the Nile valley
2
: the soft central part of papyrus stems especially when made into strips and pressed into a writing material
3
: a writing on or written scroll of papyrus
Etymology
Middle English papyrus "papyrus," from Latin papyrus "papyrus, paper," from Greek papyros "papyrus" — related to paper
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