noun

parer

PAIR-uhr

Parer (noun) means a small knife or hand tool used to trim the skin or outer layer from fruit and vegetables. Example: “She peeled the apples with a parer rather than a peeler.”

noun

A small knife or hand tool used to trim the skin or outer layer from fruit and vegetables.

"She peeled the apples with a parer rather than a peeler."

"A sharp parer makes short work of potatoes."

A person who pares something, cutting it back or trimming it down.

"He was a ruthless parer of budgets."

How to Use Parer

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA little knife for peeling and trimming food.

When to use it

Now largely confined to cookware and trade contexts; 'paring knife' is the everyday term.

Memory tip

Do not confuse with 'pairer' (one who pairs things) — same sound, different word.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

parer → pairer payer parry →

Common pairings

apple parer nail parer hoof parer

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Test yourself on “parer” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

She peeled the apples with a _____ rather than a peeler.

Etymology

From pare plus the agent suffix -er; pare comes via Old French parer from Latin parare 'to prepare, make ready'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

View more →

paring knife peeler trimmer

Related Words

bobby peeler trimmer striptease

Rhymes for parer

carer bearer nearer wearer clearer

See all rhymes for parer →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a parer and a peeler?

A parer is a small knife with a straight blade that you control by hand, so it can trim, core and shape as well as peel. A peeler has a fixed slotted blade that only removes a thin strip of skin.

Is a parer the same as a paring knife?

Yes, in the kitchen the two terms are used interchangeably, though 'paring knife' is far more common in modern recipes and catalogues.

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