What does parasol mean?
A parasol is a portable umbrella or canopy that provides protection from the sun. In everyday use, the word usually suggests a more decorative or specialized sunshade than a general-purpose umbrella, and it is especially common in descriptions of elegant clothing, gardens, hotels, and outdoor events. The term is also familiar in British English, where an umbrella may be called a parasol when its main purpose is shade. In formal or literary contexts, “parasol” can refer more broadly to any umbrella-like structure designed to keep off sunlight. The word has an attractive historical origin: it was borrowed from French parasol, which came from Italian parasole, a combination of elements meaning “under” and “sun.” Because of that literal meaning and its associations with stylish summer scenes, parasol remains a vivid and useful word for both practical shelter and elegant design.
A portable umbrella or similar canopy used to provide shade from the sun.
"She carried a parasol to protect herself from the intense afternoon sun."
Common in both British and American English; often somewhat more formal or decorative than “umbrella.”
To shade someone or something with a parasol.
"The attendant parasoled the guests as they waited outside."
Rare and chiefly literary.
The regular plural of the noun is parasols.
"A row of parasols shaded the tables on the terrace."
The word parasol literally means “under the sun”: it comes from Italian para- (“under”) and sole (“sun”).
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does parasol come from?
The English word entered English in the early 17th century from French parasol. French had borrowed it from Italian parasole, formed from para- meaning “under” or “beside” and sole meaning “sun,” referring to a sunshade. The underlying sun element continues in English words such as solar and solstice.
How parasol is actually used
“Parasol” is standard in British and American English, though it can sound more old-fashioned or formal than “umbrella” or “sunshade.” The verb is rare and chiefly literary.
Easily confused with parasol
A parasol is intended primarily to shade from the sun, whereas an umbrella is designed chiefly to protect from rain, though the terms can overlap.