parasol

noun

par·​a·​sol ˈper-ə-ˌsȯl How to pronounce parasol (audio)
-ˌsäl, 
ˈpa-rə-
: a lightweight umbrella used as a sunshade

Examples of parasol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hailey wore a beautiful, bright lime-green halter gown for the ceremony, accessorizing with a white parasol while holding a drink. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 31 Aug. 2026 Hailey, who wore a lime green halter dress and had her hair styled in a sleek bun, held a white parasol to shade herself from the sun. — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026 Colombian fashion designer Johanna Ortiz has refreshed two outdoor decks with tropical prints, parasols, cozy loungers, and cocktail accents. — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 At the Australian Open this year, Osaka walked onto court wearing a wide-brim hat, a veil and holding a white parasol. — Mattias Karen, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for parasol

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, "screen or canopy shielding from the sun," going back to Middle French, borrowed from Italian parasole, from para "(it) shields, keeps out" (3rd singular present of parare "to prepare, adorn, avert, shield") + sole "sun," going back to Latin sōl — more at parry, solar

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of parasol was in 1660

Browse Nearby Words

parasocial
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See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Parasol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parasol. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

parasol

noun
para·​sol
ˈpar-ə-ˌsȯl
: a light umbrella for protection against the sun

More from Merriam-Webster on parasol

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parasol

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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