parachute

1 of 2

noun

para·​chute ˈper-ə-ˌshüt 

ˈpa-rə-

1

: a device for slowing the descent of a person or object through the air that consists of a fabric canopy beneath which the person or object is suspended

2

: patagium

3

: a device or structure suggestive of a parachute in form, use, or operation

parachutic

ˌper-ə-ˈshü-tik 

ˌpa-rə-

adjective

parachute

2 of 2

verb

parachuted; parachuting

transitive verb

: to convey by means of a parachute

intransitive verb

: to descend by means of a parachute

Examples of parachute in a Sentence

Noun

The pilot was wearing a parachute.

The supplies were dropped by parachute.

Verb

The soldiers parachuted in and quickly hid their gear.

New troops parachuted into enemy territory.

We will parachute supplies in after you arrive.

New troops were parachuted into enemy territory.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Amir Cohen/Reuters Humanitarian aid parachutes toward the Gaza Strip, as seen from Israel, April 10, 2024. —Taylor Luck, The Christian Science Monitor, 17 Apr. 2024

Beaver problem prompted innovation The beaver parachute program came shortly after a turning point in the rodents’ history. —Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 15 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from French, from para- (as in parasol parasol) + chute "fall" — more at chute

Verb

derivative of parachute entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1784, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1809, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing parachute

• golden parachute
• parachute pants

Kids Definition

parachute

1 of 2 noun

para·​chute ˈpar-ə-ˌshüt 

1

: a folding umbrella-shaped device of light fabric used especially for making a safe jump from an aircraft

2

: something (as the bunch of hairs on a dandelion seed) that is like a parachute in form, use, or operation

parachute

2 of 2 verb

parachuted; parachuting

: to transport or come down by means of a parachute

parachutist

-ˌshüt-əst

noun