parcel
- 01 B1 Intermediate
an object or collection of objects wrapped in paper so it can be sent by post.
a package wrapped in paper or other materials, typically for shipment or postal delivery.
Simple“The postman left a large parcel on the doorstep while we were out.”
In context“The courier service requires all parcels to be securely taped and clearly labelled with the recipient's postcode before collection.”
Teacher's tipIn American English, 'package' is much more common than 'parcel' for items sent by mail.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a specific area of land that is part of a larger area.
a defined area of land, often one intended for sale or development as a single unit.
Simple“They bought a small parcel of land near the river to build a cottage.”
In context“The developer acquired several adjacent parcels of land to consolidate the site for the new shopping complex.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
a small amount of food wrapped in pastry or a leaf.
a small portion of food enclosed in a wrapper, such as pastry, dough, or a vegetable leaf.
Simple“The chef served delicate spinach and feta parcels as an appetizer.”
In context“For the main course, the salmon was baked in parchment parcels to preserve its moisture and infuse it with herbs.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
a part or piece of something larger.
a portion or fragment of a whole; most commonly encountered in the fixed idiom 'part and parcel'.
Simple“Long hours are part and parcel of being a junior doctor.”
In context“Occasional technical failures are part and parcel of operating such a complex satellite network.”
UsageAlmost exclusively used in the phrase 'part and parcel of'.