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

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

Earlier this year at the Australian Open, Osaka walked on wearing a wide-brim hat, a veil and holding a white parasol. —ABC News, 26 May 2026

There are no shops, toilets, or parasols, so remember to pack a sun hat, water, and snacks. —Ali Pantony, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 May 2026

The seeds of love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena) are not as pungent as those of black cumin, but its parasol flowers are more ornamental, appearing mostly in baby blue but also in royal blue, rose, and white. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 1 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