parcel

[pahr-suhl]

noun

1. an object, article, container, or quantity of something wrapped or packed up; small package; bundle.

2. a quantity or unit of something, as of a commodity for sale; lot.

3. a group, collection, or assemblage of persons or things.

   Synonyms: assortment, batch

4. a distinct, continuous portion or tract of land.

5. a part, portion, or fragment.

verb (used with object)

parceled, parceling , parcelled, parcelling .

1. to divide into or distribute in parcels or portions (usually followed byout ).

   Synonyms: allot, deal, deal, apportion, mete

2. to make into a parcel or wrap as a parcel.

3. Nautical.,  to cover or wrap (a rope) with strips of canvas.

adverb

1. Archaic.,  in part; partially.

parcel

/ ˈpɑːsəl /

noun

1. something wrapped up; package

2. a group of people or things having some common characteristic

3. a quantity of some commodity offered for sale; lot

4. a distinct portion of land

5. an essential part of something (esp in the phrase part and parcel )

verb

1. (often foll by up) to make a parcel of; wrap up

2. (often foll by out) to divide (up) into portions

3. nautical to bind strips of canvas around (a rope)

adverb

1. an archaic word for partly

Other Word Forms

• unparceled adjective
• unparceling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of parcel¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English, from Middle French parcelle, from unattested Late Latin particella, fresh formation for Latin particula; particle, passel

Word History and Origins

Origin of parcel¹

C14: from Old French parcelle, from Latin particula _particle

Idioms and Phrases

• part and parcel

Synonym Study

See package.

Example Sentences

Normally, alpha-synuclein's natural or "native state" is like a flexible strand, but when active it shapes itself into a helix, which is critical for its function in binding and transporting parcels of dopamine.

Read more on Science Daily

The intention was that they would go to work in hospitals to support acutely ill patients but some were sent to do administration, to deliver parcels and to answer telephones, the inquiry heard.

Read more on BBC

The row could see up to 1,300 drivers refuse to work for three days after DPD said it was cutting the amount it pays for deliveries of small parcels by 65p.

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He also works part-time on the railways and delivering parcels during the rest of the week as he tries to grow his business.

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In his speech, Starmer mentioned Mr Sutherland alongside several other volunteers and described him as a person who "delivers food parcels in Telford with a smile".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• bundle 
• carton 
• package 
• packet