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noun

parapet

PA-ruh-piht

Parapet (noun) means a low protective wall along the edge of a roof, bridge, or balcony. Example: “She leaned over the parapet to look down at the street below.”

noun
1
A low protective wall along the edge of a roof, bridge, or balcony.
"She leaned over the parapet to look down at the street below."
2
A defensive wall in a fortification, used for cover in combat.
"Soldiers fired over the parapet at the advancing troops."

How to Use Parapet

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA low wall at the edge of a roof, bridge, or trench that stops you falling off or gives you cover.

Common pairings
lean over the parapet behind the parapet

Word Forms

parapets plural

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She leaned over the _____ to look down at the street below.

Etymology

From Italian parapetto, literally "chest-high" (para- "protecting" + petto "chest") — a wall built to about chest height for protection.

Origin: Italian

breastwork

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “parapet” mean?

The word “parapet” means a low protective wall along the edge of a roof, bridge, or balcony. In plain terms, a low wall at the edge of a roof, bridge, or trench that stops you falling off or gives you cover.

How do you pronounce “parapet”?

“Parapet” is pronounced PA-ruh-piht (/ˈpæɹəpɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “parapet” in a sentence?

Here is “parapet” used in a sentence: “She leaned over the parapet to look down at the street below.”

What part of speech is “parapet”?

“Parapet” is a noun.

Where does the word “parapet” come from?

The word “parapet” comes from Italian. From Italian parapetto, literally "chest-high" (para- "protecting" + petto "chest") — a wall built to about chest height for protection.

How many meanings does “parapet” have?

“Parapet” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a low protective wall along the edge of a roof, bridge, or balcony.

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