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.
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 Instead of styling the $4700 Gucci bamboo 1947 bag with a sundress and parasol à la Victoria, Posey stepped out in a button-up gold dress and a dramatic cream and beige fur coat, adding a pop of color with a pair of blue satin Roger Vivier pumps with a rhinestone buckle and jeweled heel. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 22 Mar. 2025 Initial efforts to repair one of the solar arrays failed, so the astronauts entered the station on the following day and deployed a parasol to reduce internal temperatures to more tolerable levels. Alice George, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2025 Acacia wears a wig with parasols in it, which is fun. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 21 Feb. 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 18 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

parasol

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

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