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parapet

noun par·a·pet \ ˈper-ə-pət , -ˌpet , ˈpa-rə- \
|Updated on: 3 Aug 2018

Definition of parapet

1 : a wall, rampart, or elevation of earth or stone to protect soldiers
  • The invaders fired arrows over the castle's parapet.
2 : a low wall or railing to protect the edge of a platform, roof, or bridge — called also parapet wall
  • The visitor peered over the parapet with binoculars.
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parapeted

play \ˈper-ə-ˌpe-təd, ˈpa-rə-\ adjective

See parapet defined for English-language learners

See parapet defined for kids

Examples of parapet in a Sentence

  1. The invaders fired arrows over the castle's parapet.

Recent Examples of parapet from the Web

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

Illustration of parapet

illustration of parapet

Origin and Etymology of parapet

borrowed from Middle French & Italian; Middle French parapete, parapet, borrowed from Italian parapetto, from para "(it) shields, protects" (3rd singular present of parare "to prepare, adorn, avert, shield") + petto "breast, chest," going back to Latin pector-, pectus — more at parry, 2pectoral

Other Architecture Terms

buttress, casita, cornice, fanlight, garret, lintel, pilaster, plinth

Phrases Related to PARAPET

Related Phrases

PARAPET Defined for English Language Learners

parapet

noun

Definition of parapet for English Language Learners

  • : a low wall at the edge of a platform, roof, or bridge

PARAPET Defined for Kids

parapet

noun par·a·pet \ ˈper-ə-pət , -ˌpet \

Definition of parapet for Students

1 : a low wall or fence at the edge of a platform, roof, or bridge
2 : a wall of earth or stone to protect soldiers

Learn More about parapet

  1. See words that rhyme with parapet Spanish Central: Translation of parapet Nglish: Translation of parapet for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parapet

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