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
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.
In summer, expect a family pool and outdoor grotto coves with sun chairs and parasols in the hotel's signature red hue. Jenn Rice, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026 Models held fringed bags that resembled early spring grass clippings, wore shoes covered in pink petals, and carried leafy green stems as parasols. Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026 Airelles Château de la Messardière At Airelles Château de la Messardière, which commands a hilltop above Saint-Tropez, the arbor at the entrance is festooned with green plants that complement the surrounding forest of parasol pines. Mary Winston Nicklin, AFAR Media, 20 Jan. 2026 Other additions include multi-level rooms and the spa, built on the rock itself (where the restaurant used to be), and a beach bar dotted with lipstick-red parasols. Angelina Villa-Clarke, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Nov. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Parasol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parasol. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

parasol

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

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