parasol

American  

[par-uh-sawl, -sol] / ˈpær əˌsɔl, -ˌsɒl /

noun

1. a lightweight umbrella used, especially by women, as a sunshade.

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parasol British  

/ ˈpærəˌsɒl /

noun

1. an umbrella used for protection against the sun; sunshade

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Other Word Forms

• parasoled adjective

Etymology

Origin of parasol

1610–20; < French, Middle French < Italian parasole. See para- ², Sol

Explanation

A parasol is a little umbrella that protects you from the sun. If you are trying to imitate a fancy Victorian lady, get yourself a parasol. An umbrella is a collapsible shade that people use to keep from getting wet in the rain or burned in the sun. A similar device is a parasol. Parasols are smaller than umbrellas, so they're not as useful in the rain. However, many people, especially on the beach, use parasols to keep the sun from beating down on them. If you don't want a sunburn, a parasol is handy.

Example Sentences

On those sheets, striped with a repeating pattern of Miss Piggy striking different poses underneath a parasol, Miss Piggy models confidence.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2026

The Japanese superstar emerged onto Rod Laver Arena for her first-round clash on Tuesday carrying a white parasol with matching wide-brimmed hat and long gauzy veil.

From Barron's • Jan. 21, 2026

Her spring trip goes heavy on wild greens, with a good dose of truffle hunting, while the fall is a bonanza of shaggy parasol mushrooms and mountain villages.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 16, 2025

Protective parasol: It is due to stay warm with temperatures of up to 25C.

From BBC • Jun. 28, 2025

I pulled my own shoulders back and twirled my parasol as Ms. Lacey concluded the show to light applause from the diners.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu