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.
Acacia wears a wig with parasols in it, which is fun. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025 The Vatican does still release sede vacante coins, however, featuring the same parasol insignia, now on a Euro. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 26 Sep. 2024 The firm was started in the 1860s, when the family’s patriarch Antoine Roset set up a small factory that made canes for parasols. Sofia Celeste, WWD, 8 Jan. 2025 Last year, an Italian fashion house outfitted the beach club with parasols and Valentino red towels. Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 19 Dec. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Parasol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parasol. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

parasol

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

More from Merriam-Webster on parasol

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!