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

Starting from a short end and using parchment to help shape, roll up cake (don’t worry if some filling gets squeezed out on the sides). —Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026

Meanwhile, line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle with 1 cup cheddar in center of sheet, spreading into rough 10 by 8-inch rectangle. —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026

The wheels kick up a cloud of dust from the parchment-dry terrain. —Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 26 Mar. 2026

Line a rimmed sheet pan with foil or parchment paper. —C.w. Cameron, AJC.com, 22 Mar. 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