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.

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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 )

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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

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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 dwelling sits on a 1.4-acre parcel that is home to a glittering swimming pool and spa, an enormous patio, an outdoor kitchen, and a fire pit area.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

“The Forum parcel is absolutely not large enough for a baseball stadium,” Butts said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

Taiwan’s 13,000+ convenience stores serve 23 million people, offering diverse services like bill payments, parcel pickup, and document printing.

From Barron's • Mar. 21, 2026

She feels such workloads are part and parcel of her job though, something she describes as "a lifestyle and a passion".

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

Harry dashed to the bed, untied the cords around Errol’s legs, took off the parcel, and then carried Errol to Hedwig’s cage.

From "Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling

Related Words

• bundle
• carton
• package
• packet