# parasol

/pˈæɹəsˌɒl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/parasol
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

a light umbrella you hold to protect yourself from the sun, not from the rain.

For teachers: a lightweight umbrella designed to provide shade from the sun rather than protection from rain. Typically handheld and often decorative, distinct from the sturdier rain umbrella.

## Examples

- She opens her parasol to block the sun.
- Tourists share tables under large parasols at the beach café to escape the midday heat.
- The old garden party survived in memory as white dresses and lace parasols turning slowly against a summer sky that seemed unwilling to darken.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.