parasol: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Literary, Nautical (as a type of deck umbrella)
Quick answer
What does “parasol” mean?
A light umbrella used to provide shade from the sun.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A light umbrella used to provide shade from the sun.
An object or structure resembling a parasol, such as a sunshade on a pram, a type of mushroom, or a protective canopy in architecture or nature.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. 'Sunshade' may be more common in UK everyday speech; 'parasol' is equally understood but used more in descriptive or formal contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, often evokes images of gardens, beaches, vintage fashion, or patio dining. In US, may slightly more strongly evoke historical or period settings.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects. The concept is common, but the specific word 'parasol' is not used daily.
Grammar
How to Use “parasol” in a Sentence
[Subject] carried/opened/had a parasol.A parasol [verb] (e.g., provided shade).A parasol of [material/colour].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “parasol” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a standard verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a standard verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as a standard adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as a standard adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as a standard adjective.
American English
- Not applicable as a standard adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in hospitality (hotel, beach club supplies), retail (garden furniture), or fashion (accessories).
Academic
Rare. Could appear in historical, cultural, or design studies describing objects.
Everyday
Used when specifying a sunshade, often for descriptive detail (e.g., 'she had a parasol at the wedding').
Technical
Specific uses in mycology ('parasol mushroom'), botany ('parasol pine'), and naval architecture ('parasol deck').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “parasol”
- Using 'parasol' to mean an umbrella for rain (incorrect).
- Confusing with 'parachute' due to phonetic similarity.
- Misspelling as 'parasole'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A parasol is designed specifically for shade from the sun, often made of lighter materials and sometimes more decorative. An umbrella (or 'brolly' in UK informal speech) is primarily for protection from rain.
No, 'parasol' is exclusively a noun in standard modern English. You cannot 'parasol' yourself.
No, it's a low-frequency word. While understood, most speakers would use 'sunshade' or simply 'umbrella' and clarify the context if needed.
Yes, in specialised fields. In mycology, 'parasol mushroom' refers to the edible Macrolepiota procera. In architecture or botany, it can describe a canopy-like shape.
A light umbrella used to provide shade from the sun.
Parasol is usually formal, literary, nautical (as a type of deck umbrella) in register.
Parasol: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpærəsɒl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpærəˌsɑːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable. No common idioms use 'parasol'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'PARASOL' = 'PARAsite of the SOL' (Latin 'sol' for sun). It's not a parasite, but it 'lives off' the sun by blocking it.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS SHADE (The parasol is a shield from the sun's 'attack' or heat).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'parasol' be LEAST appropriate?