parcel
Parcel (noun) means a wrapped package prepared for shipping or delivery. Example: “A parcel arrived on the doorstep this morning.”
How to use parcel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA wrapped package, or a distinct portion of something (often land) marked off from the rest.
Word forms
parceled past tense, parcelled past tense, parcels plural, parcels singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A _____ arrived on the doorstep this morning.
Etymology
From Old French parcelle, "a small piece or part," from Latin particula ("particle") — parcel and particle are doublets, both descending from the same Latin root.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for parcel
See all rhymes for parcel →Frequently asked questions
What does “parcel” mean?
The word “parcel” means a wrapped package prepared for shipping or delivery. In plain terms, a wrapped package, or a distinct portion of something (often land) marked off from the rest.
How do you pronounce “parcel”?
“Parcel” is pronounced PAHR-suhl (/ˈpɑɹsəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “parcel” in a sentence?
Here is “parcel” used in a sentence: “A parcel arrived on the doorstep this morning.”
What part of speech is “parcel”?
Depending on how it is used, “parcel” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “parcel” come from?
The word “parcel” comes from Latin. From Old French parcelle, "a small piece or part," from Latin particula ("particle") — parcel and particle are doublets, both descending from the same Latin root.
Is “parcel” a common word?
“Parcel” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “parcel” have?
“Parcel” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a wrapped package prepared for shipping or delivery.
What is the difference between a parcel and a package?
Parcel and package are largely interchangeable terms for a wrapped item prepared for shipping, though parcel is more common in British English and package is more common in American English. Both refer to a wrapped item prepared for delivery.
Can parcel refer to land as well as a package?
Yes, parcel can also mean a distinct piece or plot of land, a sense commonly used in real estate and legal documents to describe a specific area of property separate from surrounding land.