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

The pier, revamped along with the beach restaurant last year, will feature 40 custom beds paired with parasols. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 12 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

Top suites lead out onto their own terraces and will really come into their own in the warmer months, with sofas, sunbeds and parasols. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

Each is incorporated onto custom upholstery for the ship’s sun beds, lounge chairs, and couches, as well as parasols and pillows. —Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 6 Apr. 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