parcel

American  

[pahr-suhl] / ˈpɑr səl /

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 British  

/ 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

parcel Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing parcel

• part and parcel

---

Related Words

See package.

Other Word Forms

• unparceled adjective
• unparceling adjective

Etymology

Origin of parcel

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

Example Sentences

The cash element is a significant change to the past scheme, which the government hopes will help fulfil a manifesto pledge to end "mass reliance on emergency food parcels".

From BBC

The two properties are not located on adjacent parcels, but are instead located about a four-minute drive from each other.

From MarketWatch

Feared by opponents as a rifle-wielding, motorbike-mounted shock force, the colectivos are welcomed in some neighborhoods where they are credited with preventing crime -- and where authorities hand out subsidized food parcels.

From Barron's

Every month was this parcel of books written by some of the most important names in fiction, and then all these new voices.

From Los Angeles Times

Rethink Food has started providing funding to schools to cover the costs of helping families with food parcels and supper clubs.

From BBC

Related Words

• bundle
• carton
• package
• packet