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.
Remove parchment and weights and bake until surface looks dry, 10–12 minutes longer. — Alison Roman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026 Store in an airtight container or tin or wrapped in parchment paper and then aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 5 days. — Shafiq Najib, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026 Line the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and grease the sides with nonstick cooking spray. — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Aug. 2026 Tools and materials used illustrate each phase of the process from parchment making, writing and illuminating through the final binding. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 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
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Cite this Entry

“Parchment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parchment. Accessed 14 Aug. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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