parchment

noun

parch·​ment ˈpärch-mənt 

1

: the skin of a sheep or goat prepared for writing on

2

: strong, tough, and often somewhat translucent paper made to resemble parchment

3

: a parchment manuscript

also : an academic diploma

Examples of parchment in a Sentence

Ancient people wrote on parchment.

a parchment dating back to ancient times

Line the pan with a sheet of parchment.

Recent Examples on the Web

Tools and materials used illustrate each phase of the process from parchment making, writing and illuminating through the final binding. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026

Butter the bottoms and sides of your pans, then place the parchment inside and butter it. — Martha Stewart, 27 July 2026

Grease a loaf pan, line the bottom with parchment paper, then grease and flour the pan again. — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2026

Lightly coat a 13- x 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray; line with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on long sides; set aside. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 26 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English parchemin, from Anglo-French, modification of Latin pergamena, from Greek pergamēnē, from feminine of Pergamēnos of Pergamum, from Pergamon Pergamum

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

parchment

noun

parch·​ment ˈpärch-mənt 

1

: the skin of a sheep or goat prepared as a writing material

2

: a paper like parchment

3

: something written on parchment