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.

Example Sentences

Parent company IDS made a small profit last year which was entirely generated by its German and Canadian logistics and parcels business, off-setting losses at Royal Mail.

From BBC

He noted that the vast majority of the nation’s 2,000 four-year colleges and universities have not needed to use affirmative action to parcel out coveted seats because they admit most applicants.

From Los Angeles Times

Kennedy’s screed against fluoridation is part and parcel of a policy package that has legitimate scientists warning of a public health catastrophe in the making.

From Los Angeles Times

As her group stood by juggling their parcels, I asked if she had any tips for people doing their own wedding flowers.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, the majority of parcels that fall under the proposed incentives are located in residential neighborhoods currently zoned for multifamily.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acreage
• plot
• property
• tract