parasol

noun

par·​a·​sol ˈper-ə-ˌsȯl 

-ˌsäl,

ˈpa-rə-

: a lightweight umbrella used as a sunshade

Examples of parasol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Acacia wears a wig with parasols in it, which is fun. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025

The Vatican does still release sede vacante coins, however, featuring the same parasol insignia, now on a Euro. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 26 Sep. 2024

The firm was started in the 1860s, when the family’s patriarch Antoine Roset set up a small factory that made canes for parasols. —Sofia Celeste, WWD, 8 Jan. 2025

Last year, an Italian fashion house outfitted the beach club with parasols and Valentino red towels. —Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 19 Dec. 2024

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

Kids Definition

parasol

noun

para·​sol

ˈpar-ə-ˌsȯl

: a light umbrella for protection against the sun