parapet

noun

par·​a·​pet ˈper-ə-pət How to pronounce parapet (audio)
-ˌpet, 
ˈpa-rə-
Synonyms of parapet
1
: a wall, rampart, or elevation of earth or stone to protect soldiers
The invaders fired arrows over the castle's parapet.
2
: a low wall or railing to protect the edge of a platform, roof, or bridge
The visitor peered over the parapet with binoculars.

called also parapet wall

parapeted
ˈper-ə-ˌpe-təd How to pronounce parapet (audio)
ˈpa-rə-
adjective

Illustration of parapet

Illustration of parapet
  • P parapet 1

Examples of parapet in a Sentence

The invaders fired arrows over the castle's parapet.
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.
Charles placed an arrangement of flowers on a parapet before the couple silently bowed their heads in a moment of reflection. — Philip Marcelo, Fortune, 30 Apr. 2026 The red brick building, with its geometric parapet wall and barrel plank ceiling, was built in the 1930s. — Jenna Thompson june 10, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026 Charles placed an arrangement of flowers on a parapet before the couple silently bowed their heads in a moment of reflection. — Philip Marcelo, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026 That only occurs in a police state when a critical mass of disenchantment begins to see itself as the majority, and confident enough to raise its head above the parapet. — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for parapet

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Italian; Middle French parapete, parapet, borrowed from Italian parapetto, from para "(it) shields, protects" (3rd singular present of parare "to prepare, adorn, avert, shield") + petto "breast, chest," going back to Latin pector-, pectus — more at parry, pectoral entry 2

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of parapet was in 1590

Phrases Containing parapet

Rhymes for parapet

See All Rhymes for parapet

Browse Nearby Words

paraperiodic acid
parapet
parapeted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

parapet

noun
par·​a·​pet ˈpar-ə-pət How to pronounce parapet (audio)
-ˌpet
1
: a wall of earth or stone to protect soldiers
2
: a low wall or railing at the edge of a platform, roof, or bridge

More from Merriam-Webster on parapet

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for parapet

Nglish: Translation of parapet for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parapet

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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