noun
parapet
PA-ruh-piht
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 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
Word Forms
parapets plural
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Etymology
From Italian parapetto, literally "chest-high" (para- "protecting" + petto "chest") — a wall built to about chest height for protection.