parcel

[ pahr-suhl ]

noun

1. an object, article, container, or quantity of something wrapped or packed up; small package; bundle.
2. a quantity or unit of something, as of a commodity for sale; lot.
3. a group, collection, or assemblage of persons or things.

   Synonyms: assortment, batch

4. a distinct, continuous portion or tract of land.
5. a part, portion, or fragment.

verb (used with object)

, par·celed, par·cel·ing or (especially British) par·celled, par·cel·ling.

1. to divide into or distribute in parcels or portions (usually followed by out ).

   Synonyms: allot, deal, apportion, mete

2. to make into a parcel or wrap as a parcel.
3. Nautical. to cover or wrap (a rope) with strips of canvas.

adverb

1. Archaic. in part; partially.

parcel

/ ˈpɑːsəl /

noun

1. something wrapped up; package
2. a group of people or things having some common characteristic
3. a quantity of some commodity offered for sale; lot
4. a distinct portion of land
5. an essential part of something (esp in the phrase part and parcel )

verb

1. often foll by up to make a parcel of; wrap up
2. often foll by out to divide (up) into portions
3. nautical to bind strips of canvas around (a rope)

adverb

1. an archaic word for partly

Other Words From

• un·par·celed especially British, un·par·celled adjective
• un·par·cel·ing especially British, un·par·cel·ling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of parcel¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English, from Middle French parcelle, from unattested Late Latin particella, fresh formation for Latin particula; particle, passel

Word History and Origins

Origin of parcel¹

C14: from Old French parcelle, from Latin particula particle

Idioms and Phrases

In addition to the idiom beginning with parcel , also see part and parcel .

Synonym Study

See package.

Related Words

• acreage
• plot
• property
• tract