parapet

American  

[par-uh-pit, -pet] / ˈpær ə pɪt, -ˌpɛt /

noun

1. Fortification.

   1. a defensive wall or elevation, as of earth or stone, in a fortification.

   2. an elevation raised above the main wall or rampart of a permanent fortification.

2. any low protective wall or barrier at the edge of a balcony, roof, bridge, or the like.

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parapet British  

/ -ˌpɛt, ˈpærəpɪt /

noun

1. a low wall or railing along the edge of a balcony, roof, etc

2. Also called: breastwork.  a rampart, mound of sandbags, bank, etc, in front of a trench, giving protection from fire from the front

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Other Word Forms

• parapeted adjective
• parapetless adjective

Etymology

Origin of parapet

1575–85; < Italian parapetto, equivalent to para- para- ² + petto chest, breast < Latin pectus

Explanation

A parapet originally meant a defensive mini-wall made of earth or stone that was built to protect soldiers on the roof of a fort or a castle. Now it indicates any low wall along the roof of a building, the edge of a balcony, the side of a bridge, or similar structure. When drawing castles, the most remarkable feature is the parapet on the top of the towers — the notches in the parapet were designed for soldiers to stand in but have come to look like a larger version of the crown of the king inside. Now, parapets are more likely to keep you from falling off a roof than protect you from enemy soldiers trying to storm the building.

Example Sentences

In an incredible moment of valour, within the chaos and madness, Laidlaw tore off his own gas mask, climbed up on the parapet and started playing the pipes.

From BBC • Nov. 11, 2025

In the most superficial way, the addition is a contextual match for the main house—it is white, and it is a similar height, with a cornice and a matching parapet.

From Slate • Aug. 5, 2025

Its boxlike modernistic style is defined by recessed spandrels, unadorned vertical piers, gently set back parapet pillars, and a vocabulary of French Art Deco and Celtic ornament at both base and crown.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 8, 2023

"And looking down over the parapet, we saw this mob of young women."

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2023

Even as Winifred spoke two grappling hooks with climbing ropes attached came clanging over the parapet and lodged in the joints.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques