parquet

American  

[pahr-key] / pɑrˈkeɪ /

noun

1. a floor composed of short strips or blocks of wood forming a pattern, sometimes with inlays of other woods or other materials.

2. the part of the main floor of a theater, opera house, etc., that is between the musicians' area and the parterre or rear division or, especially in the U.S., the entire floor space for spectators.

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verb (used with object)

parqueted, parqueting

1. to construct (a floor) of parquetry.

parquet British  

/ ˈpɑːkeɪ, -kɪ /

noun

1. a floor covering of pieces of hardwood fitted in a decorative pattern; parquetry

2. Also called: parquet floor.  a floor so covered

3. the stalls of a theatre

4. the main part of the Paris Bourse, where officially listed securities are traded Compare coulisse

5. (in France) the department of government responsible for the prosecution of crimes

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verb

1. to cover (a floor) with parquet

Etymology

Origin of parquet

1670–80; < French, diminutive of parc park; -et

Example Sentences

Built in 2008, it features parquet de Versailles flooring, 18th-century French Louis XV–carved stone fireplaces, and hand-carved marble bathtubs.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 5, 2026

For those who come in through the women’s side, you’ll be greeted with a leather goods salon that’s designed in shades of creamy white with gold accents and traditional Versailles parquet flooring.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 10, 2025

The Celtics didn’t mess around after dropping Game 2 on their home parquet floor by 24 on Thursday.

From Seattle Times • May 11, 2024

Settled down on the polished parquet flooring, no doubt cross-legged, they were part of something that would shape the learning landscape forever.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2024

I run my finger along the patterns in the parquet floor pattern, but I don’t look at Zoey, because I can’t look at Zoey.

From "A High Five for Glenn Burke" by Phil Bildner

Related Words

• carpet
• carpeting
• linoleum
• tile
• woodwork