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

Line a sheet tray with parchment paper, then add boneless, skinless chicken breasts. —Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025

As the brownie baked, the edges of the parchment burned and the peanut butter toasted. —Aisha Muharrar, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Oct. 2025

The next section breaks down the absolute fundamentals of baking, like how to use parchment paper and sift flour. —Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 30 Sep. 2025

Spread the mixture onto parchment paper and bake until golden. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 25 Sep. 2025

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