parapet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “parapet” mean?
A low protective wall along the edge of a roof, bridge, balcony, or fortification.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A low protective wall along the edge of a roof, bridge, balcony, or fortification.
A defensive barrier or a metaphorical structure providing protection or concealment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The idiom 'to put/keep one's head above/ below the parapet' is more established in British English.
Connotations
In British English, strong military/defensive connotations. In American English, more likely to be used in architectural contexts.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English due to the prevalence of the metaphorical idiom in political/journalistic discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “parapet” in a Sentence
[verb] + the parapet (lean on, look over, hide behind)[adjective] + parapet (low, protective, stone)[preposition] + the parapet (above, below, behind, over)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; used metaphorically in management/leadership contexts: 'Few CEOs are willing to put their heads above the parapet on this issue.'
Academic
Common in architectural history, military history, and engineering texts describing structures.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation except in the metaphorical idiom.
Technical
Standard term in architecture, civil engineering (bridge design), and historic building conservation.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “parapet”
- Mispronunciation: /pærəˈpet/ (wrong stress). Confusing with 'rampart' (a broader fortification). Using 'balustrade' interchangeably (a balustrade is a parapet with supporting pillars).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A balcony is a platform projecting from a wall. A parapet is the low protective wall *on* the edge of a balcony, roof, or bridge.
It is a low-frequency, specialised word common in technical fields (architecture, engineering) and in the British English political idiom 'head above the parapet'.
No, 'parapet' is solely a noun. The related action would be 'to parapet' something, but this is archaic and not in modern use.
It originates from trench warfare in World War I, where soldiers who raised their heads above the protective parapet of a trench were exposed to enemy fire.
A low protective wall along the edge of a roof, bridge, balcony, or fortification.
Parapet is usually formal, technical in register.
Parapet: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpærəpɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈperəpɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “put/stick one's head above the parapet (to take a risk by expressing an opinion)”
- “keep one's head below the parapet (to avoid risk or attention)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PET parrot sitting on a PARApet (a PARA-PET). It's safe behind the little wall.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A WALL; RISK/EXPOSURE IS ABOVE A BARRIER.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'parapet' most likely to be used literally?