parade

noun

pa·rade | \ pə-ˈrād

Definition of parade

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a pompous show : exhibition

2a : the ceremonial formation of a body of troops before a superior officer

b : a place where troops assemble regularly for parade

3a : an informal procession

b : a public procession

c : a usually lengthy array or succession a parade of visitors

4a : a place for strolling

b : those who promenade

parade

verb

paraded; parading

Definition of parade (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to cause to maneuver or march : marshal

2 : promenade

3 : to exhibit ostentatiously

intransitive verb

1 : to march in or as if in a procession

2 : promenade

3a : show off

b : masquerade myths which parade as modern science— M. R. Cohen

Other Words from parade Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about parade

Keep scrolling for more

Synonyms for parade

Synonyms: Noun

cortege (also cortège), procession

Synonyms: Verb

file, march, pace, stride

Choose the Right Synonym for parade

Verb

show, exhibit, display, expose, parade, flaunt mean to present so as to invite notice or attention. show implies no more than enabling another to see or examine. showed her snapshots to the whole group exhibit stresses putting forward prominently or openly. exhibit paintings at a gallery display emphasizes putting in a position where others may see to advantage. display sale items expose suggests bringing forth from concealment and displaying. sought to expose the hypocrisy of the town fathers parade implies an ostentatious or arrogant displaying. parading their piety for all to see flaunt suggests a shameless, boastful, often offensive parading. nouveaux riches flaunting their wealth

Examples of parade in a Sentence

Noun

the annual Thanksgiving Day parade After the team won the championship, the city threw a parade for them. The town will put on a parade. The marching band lined up for the homecoming parade.

Verb

The team and its fans paraded down the street. Protesters paraded in front of City Hall. The models paraded up and down the runway. She paraded around on the beach in her bikini. The victors paraded the prisoners through the streets.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Weekend Highlight Seattle and Bellevue officially kick off the holiday season on Friday, Nov. 23, with, respectively, the Macy’s Holiday Parade and Snowflake Lane parade. — Madeline Mckenzie, The Seattle Times, "Here comes holiday fun at Macy’s Parade in Seattle and Snowflake Lane in Bellevue," 21 Nov. 2018 However, organizers said activists, including the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson, wanted police to close the entire roadway, citing that the city often closes major roads for parades and other demonstrations. — Marina Pitofsky, USA TODAY, "Chicago mayor claps back at Illinois governor after activists shut down expressway," 7 July 2018 With live music, carnival games, a parade and two fireworks shows to choose from, residents in the Lincolnshire and Buffalo Grove area had plenty of options for their Fourth of July celebrations earlier this week. — Todd Shields, chicagotribune.com, "Fireworks shows, parade highlight Fourth of July festivities in Lincolnshire and Buffalo Grove," 6 July 2018 Warm weather arrived in Anchorage just in time for Wednesday's Fourth of July festivities, including the parade and festival on the Delaney Park Strip. — Anne Raup, Anchorage Daily News, "Anchorage celebrates Fourth of July with parade and party on the Park Strip," 4 July 2018 Elsewhere, a Fourth of July Parade and Celebration in Windcrest offered free food and live music, while another parade ran through the Alamo Heights neighborhood. — Brian Contreras, San Antonio Express-News, "Communities come together across San Antonio to celebrate the Fourth," 4 July 2018 Cars flooded, Interstate 10 was shut down for hours, and a smattering of parades and other gatherings were called off. — Keri Blakinger, Houston Chronicle, "Heavy rains dampen Houston area’s Fourth of July celebrations," 4 July 2018 Wochit After an Independence Day full of parades and barbecue, the sun will go down and Americans all over will head to the backyard to create their very own firework display for friends and family. — Madeline Mitchell, Cincinnati.com, "What to do with fireworks after Independence Day," 4 July 2018 Children’s parade and other children’s activities, plus entertainment, car show and pie-baking contest. — Dan Kelly, kansascity, "Don’t have Independence Day plans? Here’s everything going on around KC July 3-4," 2 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

His civility and gentleness weren’t charades paraded for the public moment. — WSJ, "Rest in Peace, George Herbert Walker Bush," 5 Dec. 2018 Television stations would set up mini studios inside the convention hall for live coverage, and candidates would parade from station set to station set for interviews. — Mark Thiessen, The Seattle Times, "AP News Guide: Alaska primary election," 20 Aug. 2018 Mark Wilson/Getty Images The White House paraded out top law enforcement and intelligence officials at Thursday’s press briefing with a strong message: Russian attempts to interfere in the 2018 elections are real and ongoing. — Jen Kirby, Vox, "The US intel chief just said Russian interference is “continuing”," 2 Aug. 2018 Still, the Washington Capitals victory didn’t prevent Rep. Ruben Kihuen, D-Nev., from parading onto the House floor, rocking a Vegas Golden Knights jersey under his sport coat Tuesday night…even though Washington vanquished Vegas. — Chad Pergram, Fox News, "What can IHOP's name change teach us about foreign policy?," 13 June 2018 Congress leaders visited local temples in the state, to shed off the perception that the party was anti-Hindu, while the BJP paraded a string of heavy hitting national leaders across the state in a bid to drum up support. — Swati Gupta, CNN, "Modi's ruling party on set to win in crucial India state poll," 15 May 2018 Jewish school students will parade and perform national anthems. — Staff Report, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Join in Israel Fest at Mizner Park to celebrate state’s 70th birthday," 17 Apr. 2018 The French national team will parade down that famous avenue at 5:30 p.m. local time before making their way to Élysée Palace—the official home of the president—for a reception with President Macron, The Local reported. — Bridget Hallinan, Condé Nast Traveler, "How France is Celebrating Its World Cup Victory," 16 July 2018 First, don’t forget Triple Crown winner Justify will be paraded at the track on Saturday. — John Cherwa, latimes.com, "Racing! Still no clarity on Golden Gate," 22 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'parade.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for parade

Noun

borrowed from French, "show, display (of an object to demonstrate its value), show of military force, cavalry procession," going back to Middle French, from parer "to prepare, adorn, dress (a person) with care" (going back to Old French) + -ade -ade — more at pare

Verb

derivative of parade entry 1

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about parade

Dictionary Entries near parade

Statistics for parade

Last Updated

19 Jan 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for parade

The first known use of parade was circa 1656

See more words from the same year

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for parade

parade

noun

English Language Learners Definition of parade

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a public celebration of a special day or event that usually includes many people and groups moving down a street by marching or riding in cars or on special vehicles (called floats)

: a military ceremony in which soldiers march or stand in lines so that they can be examined by officers or other important people

: a long series of people or things that come one after the other

parade

verb

English Language Learners Definition of parade (Entry 2 of 2)

: to walk or march together in public especially as a way of celebrating or protesting something

: to walk in a way that attracts attention

: to force (someone) to walk or march in public

See the full definition for parade in the English Language Learners Dictionary

parade

noun

pa·rade | \ pə-ˈrād

Kids Definition of parade

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a public celebration that includes people moving in order down a street by walking or riding in vehicles or on floats a circus parade the Independence Day parade

2 : the formation of troops before an officer for inspection

3 : great show or display … I couldn't see the usual parade of ships coming toward the harbor …— Theodore Taylor, The Cay