noun
parasol
PAR-uh-sawl/ˈpærəsɔːl/
A light umbrella used for shade from the sun.
The woman holds a light parasol to shade her face.
Etymology
The pieces literally describe warding off the sun. The name captures the parasol's purpose as a portable shade that shields its carrier from sunlight.
In context
in the great heat bare bareheaded and with no parasol or gloves, waving her arms about in an absurd way
More examples
- She opens her parasol before stepping into the bright sun.
- Colorful parasols shade the guests at the outdoor wedding.
- Unlike her rain umbrella, this paper parasol is not waterproof.
Forms
parasol · parasols
Similar words
- umbrella
- Usually protects against rain rather than just sunlight.
- sunshade
- Includes fixed coverings as well as handheld umbrellas.