parchment

noun

parch·​ment ˈpärch-mənt How to pronounce parchment (audio)
Synonyms of parchmentnext
1
: the skin of a sheep or goat prepared for writing on
2
: strong, tough, and often somewhat translucent paper made to resemble parchment
3
: a parchment manuscript
also : an academic diploma

Examples of parchment in a Sentence

Ancient people wrote on parchment. a parchment dating back to ancient times Line the pan with a sheet of parchment.
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.
Lightly grease a 9 x13-inch baking dish with baking spray and line with a parchment paper sling (see page 28). — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 Line a baking sheet with a nonstick baking mat or a sheet of parchment paper generously coated with nonstick vegetable oil spray. — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Oct. 2026 Line a 13x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, overhanging long sides by 2 inches. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Oct. 2026 Line with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on all sides. — Martha Stewart, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for parchment

Word History

Etymology

Middle English parchemin, from Anglo-French, modification of Latin pergamena, from Greek pergamēnē, from feminine of Pergamēnos of Pergamum, from Pergamon Pergamum

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of parchment was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Parcheesi
parchment
parchment coffee
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Parchment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parchment. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

parchment

noun
parch·​ment ˈpärch-mənt How to pronounce parchment (audio)
1
: the skin of a sheep or goat prepared as a writing material
2
: a paper like parchment
3
: something written on parchment

More from Merriam-Webster on parchment

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for parchment

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parchment

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