parachute

1 of 2

noun

para·​chute ˈper-ə-ˌshüt How to pronounce parachute (audio)
ˈpa-rə-
1
: a device for slowing the descent of a person or object through the air that consists of a fabric canopy beneath which the person or object is suspended
2
: patagium
3
: a device or structure suggestive of a parachute in form, use, or operation
parachutic
ˌper-ə-ˈshü-tik How to pronounce parachute (audio)
ˌpa-rə-
adjective

parachute

2 of 2

verb

parachuted; parachuting

transitive verb

: to convey by means of a parachute

intransitive verb

: to descend by means of a parachute

Examples of parachute in a Sentence

Noun The pilot was wearing a parachute. The supplies were dropped by parachute. Verb The soldiers parachuted in and quickly hid their gear. New troops parachuted into enemy territory. We will parachute supplies in after you arrive. New troops were parachuted into enemy territory.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
There's no propulsion system, though there are attitude control thrusters using compressed nitrogen gas and a parachute system for reentry. — David Szondy june 22, New Atlas, 22 June 2026 Other America 250 events that include flyovers or parachute jumps could prompt more flight disruptions. — Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
Verb
The days of hiring a firm to consult for months and then parachuting in an engineering team to implement are gone. — Ben Blanquera, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 For the sake of a metaphor, De Zerbi was parachuted onto a sinking ship and managed to steer it to shore. — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for parachute

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from French, from para- (as in parasol parasol) + chute "fall" — more at chute

Verb

derivative of parachute entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1784, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1809, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of parachute was in 1784

Phrases Containing parachute

Rhymes for parachute

See All Rhymes for parachute

Browse Nearby Words

parachronism
parachute
parachute pants
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Parachute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parachute. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

parachute

1 of 2 noun
para·​chute ˈpar-ə-ˌshüt How to pronounce parachute (audio)
1
: a folding umbrella-shaped device of light fabric used especially for making a safe jump from an aircraft
2
: something (as the bunch of hairs on a dandelion seed) that is like a parachute in form, use, or operation

parachute

2 of 2 verb
parachuted; parachuting
: to transport or come down by means of a parachute
parachutist
-ˌshüt-əst
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on parachute

Nglish: Translation of parachute for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parachute

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