parchment

noun

parch·​ment ˈpärch-mənt 

1

: the skin of a sheep or goat prepared for writing on

2

: strong, tough, and often somewhat translucent paper made to resemble parchment

3

: a parchment manuscript

also : an academic diploma

Examples of parchment in a Sentence

Ancient people wrote on parchment.

a parchment dating back to ancient times

Line the pan with a sheet of parchment.

Recent Examples on the Web

Fit band on top and clamp shut to hold parchment in place; scrunch up around base. — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Nov. 2026

Line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides for easy removal. — ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026

Recipe Tips for Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars Line the baking pan with foil or parchment paper before pressing in the peanut butter mixture. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2026

Line it with parchment and pie weights, then bake at 400 degrees until golden underneath; remove pie weights. — Martha Stewart, 14 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English parchemin, from Anglo-French, modification of Latin pergamena, from Greek pergamēnē, from feminine of Pergamēnos of Pergamum, from Pergamon Pergamum

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

parchment

noun

parch·​ment ˈpärch-mənt 

1

: the skin of a sheep or goat prepared as a writing material

2

: a paper like parchment

3

: something written on parchment