What does parapet mean?
A parapet is a low protective wall built along the edge of a roof, balcony, bridge, terrace, or similar elevated place. Its practical purpose is to reduce the risk of falling and to provide a barrier against weather, while its appearance can also contribute to a building's architectural character. In older usage, especially in military history, a parapet is a defensive breastwork positioned at the top of a fortification wall. The word is used for both functional structures and prominent architectural features, such as a stone parapet on a historic building. It is distinct from a balustrade, which usually consists of a rail supported by individual balusters and is often decorative rather than solid. Today, parapet is common in architectural, engineering, construction, and conservation contexts, as well as in ordinary descriptions of balconies, roofs, and bridges.
nounA low protective wall along the edge of a roof, balcony, bridge, or other elevated structure. In fortification, it may also refer to a defensive breastwork at the top of a wall or rampart.
- A low wall or barrier at the edge of a roof, balcony, bridge, terrace, or similar structure, designed to prevent falls and provide protection.
- A defensive breastwork or low defensive wall on a fortification.
"The old stone parapet offered some protection from the wind as she leaned over the bridge."
"Tourists leaned over the parapet to watch the boats below."
"The castle's broad stone parapet was designed to protect its defenders."
The usual plural is parapets, used for multiple protective walls or architectural features.
"Stone parapets line the rooftop terrace."
From an Italian word meaning “breastwork,” the parapet began as a defensive wall and still guards the edges of our rooftops and balconies.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does parapet come from?
The English word parapet comes from French parapet, which was borrowed from Italian parapetto. Italian parapetto combines a prefix meaning “to shelter or defend” with petto, “chest,” reflecting the idea of a protective breastwork. The word spread internationally in related forms, including Spanish parapeto and German Parapet, and entered English through architectural and military usage.
Related word forms
How parapet is actually used
In modern architectural and everyday usage, parapet most often refers to a solid wall along an elevated edge. In historical and military contexts, it can denote a defensive work at the top of a wall.
Easily confused with parapet
A balustrade is an ornamental railing supported by balusters, whereas a parapet is typically a solid protective wall.