parasol

noun

par·​a·​sol ˈper-ə-ˌsȯl How to pronounce parasol (audio)
-ˌsäl,
ˈpa-rə-
: a lightweight umbrella used as a sunshade

Examples of parasol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
At the top of a long, uneven staircase to the house wait glasses of water, parasols for shade, and a Steadicam, swirling in, to film the guests’ arrival for the online reels. Nathan Heller, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2024 The parasol with a PVC stand (butt sawed sharp for jamming into soft ground) was already stowed in Sean’s car from his previous outing. Outside Online, 23 Oct. 2024 Shirtless San Franciscans sparred for a few spare feet of sand on China Beach, sunbathers joined the surfers in Pacifica, and families pitched parasols at Alameda Beach as temperatures set new daily records in 10 different Bay Area cities. ! Kate Talerico, The Mercury News, 6 Oct. 2024 Chinese parasol tree can be a prolific seeder and can send up sprouts. Sheila Yount, arkansasonline.com, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for parasol 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, "screen or canopy shielding from the sun," going back to Middle French, borrowed from Italian parasole, from para "(it) shields, keeps out" (3rd singular present of parare "to prepare, adorn, avert, shield") + sole "sun," going back to Latin sōl — more at parry, solar

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of parasol was in 1660

Dictionary Entries Near parasol

Cite this Entry

“Parasol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parasol. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

parasol

noun
para·​sol
ˈpar-ə-ˌsȯl
: a light umbrella for protection against the sun

More from Merriam-Webster on parasol

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