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.
Bring sunglasses, a hat, a cooling towel, a parasol and/or a personal fan. Eve Chen, USA Today, 23 May 2025 Amid the opulent parasols, one contestant outfitted their model as a Renaissance painter. Camille Freestone, Vogue, 13 May 2025 When the sun finally starts to peek back out, this doubles as a parasol to keep the sun off your shoulders with a UPF 50+ sun protection rating and a clever silver coating to deflect harmful rays. Alice Bennett, Travel + Leisure, 17 Apr. 2025 The triptych shows members of crews adorned in all manner of glittery and fabulous fashion, right down to pearls and a parasol. John Oseid, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Parasol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parasol. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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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