Search Dictionary
Definition of parcel

parcel

/ˈpɑːr.səl/
par · cel

Plural:parcels
•
Past Simple:parceled
•
Past Participle:parceled
•
Present Participle:parceling
JUMP TO:

parcel Lexical Profile

parcel Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An object or collection of objects wrapped in paper, usually so that it can be sent by post or carried easily; a package.

Example

"The courier delivered a large parcel wrapped in brown paper and secured with string."


2

A distinct, defined piece of land.

Example

"They bought a small parcel of land near the lake with plans to build a summer cabin."


3

A quantity or amount of something, especially as dealt with in one commercial transaction.

Example

"The investor purchased a sizable parcel of shares in the emerging tech company."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for parcel

• verb

1

To divide into portions and distribute (usually followed by 'out').

Example

"The committee decided to parcel out the remaining funds to various local charities."


2

To wrap something in order to make it into a package.

Example

"She carefully parceled the gifts and tied them with decorative ribbons before shipping them to her family."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for parcel
Antonyms
View all antonyms for parcel

Word Nuance & Usage

As a verb, 'parcel' is most commonly used in the phrasal construction 'parcel out', meaning to divide and distribute something into smaller portions.

• Rhymes for parcel

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English, via Old French 'parcele', which traces back to Latin 'particula' (a small part), a diminutive of 'pars' (part). The meaning shifted to denote a wrapped package in the 17th century.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Parcel. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/parcel
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.