parachute

1 of 2

noun

para·​chute ˈper-ə-ˌshüt How to pronounce parachute (audio)
ˈpa-rə-
1
: a device for slowing the descent of a person or object through the air that consists of a fabric canopy beneath which the person or object is suspended
2
: patagium
3
: a device or structure suggestive of a parachute in form, use, or operation
parachutic
ˌper-ə-ˈshü-tik How to pronounce parachute (audio)
ˌpa-rə-
adjective

parachute

2 of 2

verb

parachuted; parachuting

transitive verb

: to convey by means of a parachute

intransitive verb

: to descend by means of a parachute

Examples of parachute in a Sentence

Noun The pilot was wearing a parachute. The supplies were dropped by parachute. Verb The soldiers parachuted in and quickly hid their gear. New troops parachuted into enemy territory. We will parachute supplies in after you arrive. New troops were parachuted into enemy territory.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Olstead yanked the handle to release his parachute and watched the red-white-and-blue fabric unfurl. — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 The tang had a tendency to work loose, and the sheath would often be less than secure, letting the knife fall out during a parachute drop. — David Szondy august 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
Verb
Troy has barely snapped a pic before he is forced to parachute into the Siberian wilderness. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 This is especially true of smokejumpers, federal firefighters who jump out of airplanes, parachuting into remote places. — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for parachute

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from French, from para- (as in parasol parasol) + chute "fall" — more at chute

Verb

derivative of parachute entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1784, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1809, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of parachute was in 1784

Phrases Containing parachute

Rhymes for parachute

See All Rhymes for parachute

Browse Nearby Words

parachronism
parachute
parachute pants
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Parachute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parachute. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

parachute

1 of 2 noun
para·​chute ˈpar-ə-ˌshüt How to pronounce parachute (audio)
1
: a folding umbrella-shaped device of light fabric used especially for making a safe jump from an aircraft
2
: something (as the bunch of hairs on a dandelion seed) that is like a parachute in form, use, or operation

parachute

2 of 2 verb
parachuted; parachuting
: to transport or come down by means of a parachute
parachutist
-ˌshüt-əst
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on parachute

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parachute

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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