Definition & Meaning of "pilcrow"

What is a "pilcrow"?

A pilcrow (¶) is a typographical symbol used to indicate the beginning of a new paragraph in written text. It serves as a visual cue to readers, signaling a break or change in thought, topic, or speaker. While it is not commonly used in everyday writing, the pilcrow is often found in editing and proofreading contexts, where it helps to identify paragraphs more clearly. In legal or academic documents, the pilcrow may also be used to reference specific sections or paragraphs within the text. Overall, the pilcrow helps enhance the organization and clarity of written content.