parasol

noun

par·​a·​sol ˈper-ə-ˌsȯl How to pronounce parasol (audio)
-ˌsäl,
ˈpa-rə-
: a lightweight umbrella used as a sunshade

Examples of parasol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hoop skirts and parasols, mint juleps and columned mansions. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2025 Weeks after Mary was buried, the children of Frederica Loss, who ran a tavern near the crime scene, discovered a handkerchief marked with Mary’s initials, along with her parasol and parts of her dress, hidden in the brush. Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025 Each room comes with a dedicated parasol and sun loungers on the hotel’s private beach. Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 26 Sep. 2025 Special attention has been paid to bathing: An 82-foot heated outdoor swimming pool extends from the manor’s south side, surrounded by striped parasols. Jo Rodgers, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for parasol

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of parasol was in 1660

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Parasol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parasol. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

parasol

noun
para·​sol
ˈpar-ə-ˌsȯl
: a light umbrella for protection against the sun

More from Merriam-Webster on parasol

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!