parachute
PA-ruh-shoot
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.”
noun
1
A fabric device that fills with air to slow the fall of a person or object dropped from height.
"The skydiver pulled the cord and her parachute opened seconds later."
verb
1
To descend using a parachute.
"The soldiers parachuted into the combat zone at dawn."
2
To place someone into a role or organization without them having worked their way up through it.
"The new CEO was parachuted in from a rival firm."
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.
Common mistake
A "golden parachute" refers to a generous severance deal for departing executives, not an actual parachute.
Common pairings
a golden parachute
parachute in
open a parachute
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Word forms
- Plural
- parachutes
- Third person singular
- parachutes
- Past tense
- parachuted
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
View more →Related words
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.
