parachute
Parachute (noun) means a fabric device that fills with air to slow the fall of a person or object dropped from height. Example: “The skydiver pulled the cord and her parachute opened seconds later.”
How to use parachute
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe fabric device that slows a fall from the sky; also used figuratively for dropping someone into a job or situation suddenly.
A "golden parachute" refers to a generous severance deal for departing executives, not an actual parachute.
Word forms
parachuted past tense, parachutes plural, parachutes singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The skydiver pulled the cord and her _____ opened seconds later.
Etymology
From French parachute, combining para- ("protection against") and chute ("fall").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for parachute
See all rhymes for parachute →Frequently asked questions
What does “parachute” mean?
The word “parachute” means a fabric device that fills with air to slow the fall of a person or object dropped from height. In plain terms, the fabric device that slows a fall from the sky; also used figuratively for dropping someone into a job or situation suddenly.
How do you pronounce “parachute”?
“Parachute” is pronounced PA-ruh-shoot (/ˈpæɹəʃut/ in IPA).
How do you use “parachute” in a sentence?
Here is “parachute” used in a sentence: “The skydiver pulled the cord and her parachute opened seconds later.”
What part of speech is “parachute”?
Depending on how it is used, “parachute” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “parachute” come from?
The word “parachute” comes from French. From French parachute, combining para- ("protection against") and chute ("fall").
Is “parachute” a common word?
“Parachute” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “parachute” have?
“Parachute” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a fabric device that fills with air to slow the fall of a person or object dropped from height.