parceling

[ pahr-suh-ling ]

noun

1. the act of separating or dividing into parts and distributing; allotting or apportioning.
2. Nautical. strips of canvas, usually coated with tar, for wrapping around a rope to protect it.

Other Words From

• un·par·cel·ing un·par·cel·ling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of parceling¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; parcel, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

California became an agricultural powerhouse by taming its rivers and parceling out their flows.

From New York Times

The insurance department, in turn, has encouraged companies to ask for all the rate increases they need at once, rather than parceling out requests over time.

From Los Angeles Times

As he grew in each, he assumed the role of the lovelord, parceling it out to all he came across while saving just enough for himself.

From Los Angeles Times

The weapons roar in like any rocket, but instead of exploding instantly, they eject up to two dozen mines that explode at intervals, parceling out death in the hours afterward.

From Seattle Times

Front-line nurses, already parceling out a few minutes an hour to each patient under their care, say juggling unfamiliar products or adjusting to workarounds makes their jobs even more fraught.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• distribution