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.
"Engineers will be closely checking the bridge for damage beyond the obvious smashed parapets."
— , Mid-September before line reopens, says Network Rail (2020)
"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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- parapets
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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.
Synonyms
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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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