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

But the most spectacular works are the 10- and 11-foot lengths of parchment that dramatize the way medieval architects conceived their spiritual ladders to heaven. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 23 Apr. 2026

Let cakes stand in their pans for about 5 minutes, then turn out on a wire rack, peel off parchment paper and let cool completely before slicing. —Gretchen McKay, Boston Herald, 22 Apr. 2026

Then cover with parchment or plastic wrap, and pound the thicker side of each piece to 1/2-inch thickness. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026

Place half of the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll to a 12-inch circle. —Holly Riordan, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Apr. 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