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

Most FedEx services will be available, too, with the exception of FedEx Freight, a service tailored to items that are too hefty for standard parcel services.

Read more on Barron's

Several statues have been dotted about the parcel, which has also been outfitted with a private pickleball court, according to planning applications seen by Realtor.com.

Read more on MarketWatch

It offers year-round support to the community through food parcels, mental health assistance, and various community-based initiatives.

Read more on BBC

FareShare Sussex & Surrey provides food parcels, supports community pantries, and cooks hot meals in group and residential settings for those in need.

Read more on BBC

In most cities, these parcels would be the sole domain of single-family homes interrupted by the occasional duplex.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bundle 
• carton 
• package 
• packet