1
—used to describe lines, paths, etc., that are the same distance apart along their whole length and do not touch at any point
parallel train tracks
A square is made of two sets of parallel lines.
The corn is planted in parallel rows.
The lines are parallel to each other.
The row of trees is parallel with the road.
2
: very similar and often happening at the same time
the parallel careers of the two movie stars
These two sentences are parallel in structure.
Notice the parallel development/evolution of the two technologies.
3
computers
: designed for a computer system in which very small pieces of information are sent over separate wires at the same time
a parallel cable/connection/port/printer
plural parallels
1
a
: a way in which things are similar : a shared quality or characteristic
These myths have some striking/obvious parallels with myths found in cultures around the world.
There are many parallels between the stories.
The essay draws parallels between the lives of the two presidents. [=describes ways in which the lives of the two presidents were similar]
b
: something that is equal or similar
—usually used in negative statements
This period of growth has no parallel [=there has never been a similar period of growth] in the history of the region.
a masterpiece without parallel [=better than all others] in the history of art
As an insult, it was without parallel. [=worse or more effective than all others]
2
: any one of the imaginary circles on the surface of the Earth that are parallel to the equator and that are shown as lines on maps
Most of the United States is south of the 49th parallel.
parallels; paralleled; paralleling
1
: to be similar or equal to (something)
Their test results parallel our own.
Nothing parallels that experience. [=that experience is unlike any other experience; it is unique]
2
: to happen at the same time as (something) and in a way that is related or connected
Rising prices parallel increasing fuel costs.
Spending is paralleled by an increase in the number of loans given.
3
: to be parallel to (something) : to go or extend in the same direction as (something)
The highway parallels the river.
Cite this Entry
“Parallel.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/parallel. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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