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REFERENCE

parade

n. · v.
US //pɝˈeɪd// UK //pəɹˈeɪd// pa·rade
  1. 1 public celebration (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a public event where people, bands, and decorated vehicles move down a street to celebrate something.

    a public procession, typically including a marching band and often floats, held in honour of a specific person, event, or holiday.

    Example

    The whole town came out to watch the Thanksgiving parade pass by.

    Example

    The victory parade wound through the city centre, drawing thousands of spectators who cheered as the athletes displayed their medals from the open-top bus.
  2. 2 military assembly (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Military

    a formal gathering of soldiers for inspection or to show their skills.

    a formal assembly of troops for inspection, exercise, or display.

    Example

    The soldiers stood perfectly still during the morning parade.

    Example

    The regiment assembled on the parade ground at dawn, awaiting the arrival of the commanding officer for the annual inspection.
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  1. 3 row of shops (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English

    a row of shops or stores built together in a line.

    a row of shops or commercial premises, often with a consistent architectural style.

    Example

    There is a small parade of shops near the station where you can buy a newspaper.

    Example

    The local parade includes a traditional butcher, a small post office, and a newly opened organic café that attracts the weekend crowds.
  2. 4 to march or walk (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to walk in a formal way or as part of a public celebration.

    to march in a procession or to walk in a formal, public manner.

    Example

    The winning team paraded through the streets with their trophy.

    Example

    The graduates paraded into the hall, their colourful academic gowns flowing behind them as the orchestra played the processional music.
  3. 5 to show off (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to show something or someone in a way that makes people notice and admire them.

    to display something or someone ostentatiously in order to attract attention or admiration.

    Example

    She paraded her new diamond ring in front of all her friends.

    Example

    The company paraded its latest technological innovations at the trade fair, hoping to secure investment for the upcoming fiscal year.
Etymology 1

From French parade (“an ostentatious display, a military display”), from parer (“to beautify, prepare, take pride in”) + -ade probably under influence from earlier Italian parata (“preparation, a military parade, an ostentatious display”) and Latin magnō parātū (“with great preparation”). Various senses similarly influenced by earlier French and Italian uses. Doublet of pare.

Etymology 2

From French parade (“a parry”), from parer (“to parry, to defend oneself”) + -ade, from Italian parata. Doublet of parry.

Idioms3 entries

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