parapet
Americannoun
-
Fortification.
-
a defensive wall or elevation, as of earth or stone, in a fortification.
-
an elevation raised above the main wall or rampart of a permanent fortification.
-
-
any low protective wall or barrier at the edge of a balcony, roof, bridge, or the like.
noun
-
a low wall or railing along the edge of a balcony, roof, etc
-
Also called: breastwork. a rampart, mound of sandbags, bank, etc, in front of a trench, giving protection from fire from the front
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of parapet
1575–85; < Italian parapetto, equivalent to para- para- 2 + petto chest, breast < Latin pectus
Explanation
A parapet originally meant a defensive mini-wall made of earth or stone that was built to protect soldiers on the roof of a fort or a castle. Now it indicates any low wall along the roof of a building, the edge of a balcony, the side of a bridge, or similar structure. When drawing castles, the most remarkable feature is the parapet on the top of the towers — the notches in the parapet were designed for soldiers to stand in but have come to look like a larger version of the crown of the king inside. Now, parapets are more likely to keep you from falling off a roof than protect you from enemy soldiers trying to storm the building.
Vocabulary lists containing parapet
Hamilton
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Built To Last: Architectural Parlance
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Lightning Thief
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But in an authoritarian state this is putting your head above the parapet.
From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026
The post included a photo of the actor’s recently released memoir, “You With the Sad Eyes,” and a coffee mug resting on what appears to be a home parapet.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026
In the most superficial way, the addition is a contextual match for the main house—it is white, and it is a similar height, with a cornice and a matching parapet.
From Slate • Aug. 5, 2025
Its boxlike modernistic style is defined by recessed spandrels, unadorned vertical piers, gently set back parapet pillars, and a vocabulary of French Art Deco and Celtic ornament at both base and crown.
From Seattle Times • Sep. 8, 2023
His wings unfolded, and he half flew, half hopped onto the parapet.
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
