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

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. —Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 6 Sep. 2025

Instead, use microwave-safe containers or parchment paper for tasks like covering and steaming food. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2025

Line a large rimmed baking sheet using parchment paper. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025

Line a baking tray with parchment paper. —Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2025

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