parasol

noun

par·​a·​sol ˈper-ə-ˌsȯl 

-ˌsäl, 

ˈpa-rə-

: a lightweight umbrella used as a sunshade

Examples of parasol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In May, Rodrigo performed at a Spotify event in Barcelona, wearing a puffy floral top and matching bloomers, an ensemble that resembled a baby-doll dress, or, more specifically, the kind of dainty frock a Victorian toddler might have donned to waddle the gardens under her nanny’s parasol. —Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 15 June 2026

Bubblegum-pink parasols frame the infinity pool, which hovers over the private sandy beach and shows off views spanning all the way to the Lérins Islands. —Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026

West-coast staples like Accra Beach and Pebbles Beach suit couples who desire nothing more than to relax under a parasol and watch the world go by. —Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026

This summer, Burberry is taking over the beach club and terraces of the historic Hôtel Belles Rives in Cap d’Antibes, reworking its check with the hotel’s signature blue across parasols, loungers, director’s chairs, and even the 1920s elevator. —Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 26 May 2026

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

Kids Definition

parasol

noun

para·​sol

ˈpar-ə-ˌsȯl

: a light umbrella for protection against the sun