parapet

noun

par·​a·​pet ˈper-ə-pət How to pronounce parapet (audio)
-ˌpet,
ˈpa-rə-
1
: a wall, rampart, or elevation of earth or stone to protect soldiers
The invaders fired arrows over the castle's parapet.
2
: a low wall or railing to protect the edge of a platform, roof, or bridge

called also parapet wall

The visitor peered over the parapet with binoculars.

Illustration of parapet

Illustration of parapet
  • P parapet 1

Examples of parapet in a Sentence

The invaders fired arrows over the castle's parapet.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Besides roof-sealing, parapets stop people from accidentally falling off the edge of the roof and provide a firebreak between rowhouses. Kim Velsey, Curbed, 9 Oct. 2024 The episode begins with the accidental killing of Sylvie, who falls from the parapet after escaping captivity and attempting to warn the villagers about the danger to Laurent. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2024 The Upper Cliff Dwelling contains about 40 rooms, some partially intact roofs and parapet walls. Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 26 Oct. 2024 The castle’s stately facade has been maintained throughout the centuries with masons carefully restoring its chimneys, turrets, and parapet roofs, in addition to a 15th-century stone carriage bridge. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for parapet 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Italian; Middle French parapete, parapet, borrowed from Italian parapetto, from para "(it) shields, protects" (3rd singular present of parare "to prepare, adorn, avert, shield") + petto "breast, chest," going back to Latin pector-, pectus — more at parry, pectoral entry 2

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of parapet was in 1590

Dictionary Entries Near parapet

Cite this Entry

“Parapet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parapet. Accessed 29 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

parapet

noun
1
: a wall of earth or stone to protect soldiers
2
: a low wall or railing at the edge of a platform, roof, or bridge

More from Merriam-Webster on parapet

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