Parcel
/ˈpɑːr.səl/
Definitions
3 meaningsAn object or group of objects wrapped up for sending or carrying.
/ˈpɑːr.səl/
An object or collection of objects wrapped in paper or other material, and often tied with string, typically to be sent by post.
She received a parcel containing a birthday gift.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're sending a gift to your best friend. You wrap it up nicely, tie a ribbon, and it becomes a parcel! It's like a package of special things.
👶 For kids: A parcel is like a wrapped-up present or package that can be sent to someone.
More Examples
The parcel was damaged in transit.
I need to send this parcel to my aunt.
How It's Used
"The courier delivered the parcel to the wrong address."
"The online store ships all purchases in protective parcels."
A piece of land of a specific size and shape.
/ˈpɑːr.səl/
A piece of land; a plot.
They purchased a small parcel of land to build a house.
💡 Simply: Imagine a big field. Now, picture it cut up into smaller squares – each of those squares is a parcel of land, like a little piece all to itself!
👶 For kids: A parcel can also be a piece of land, like a garden.
More Examples
The government is planning to develop the agricultural parcel.
The parcel has been designated as a conservation area.
How It's Used
"The developer acquired a large parcel of land to build a housing complex."
"The farmer divided the field into several parcels for different crops."
To divide or distribute something into smaller parts or sections.
/ˈpɑːr.səl/
To divide (something) into parcels or portions.
The land was parceled out to the local farmers.
💡 Simply: When you parcel something out, you're dividing it up into little bits. Think of sharing a pizza – each slice is a parcel of the whole pizza!
👶 For kids: To parcel something is like cutting it into pieces.
More Examples
The company parceled up the order for shipping.
The inheritance was parceled between the children.
How It's Used
"The estate was parceled out among the heirs."
"The company parceled the goods and delivered it to the various locations."
Synonyms
Box
Bundle
Package
Packet
Area
Lot
Allocate
Distribute
Divide
From Old French *parcelle* meaning 'a small part', derived from Latin *particula* meaning 'a small part, particle'.
Historically, 'parcel' was used to refer to a small part or portion of something, which expanded to encompass a package.
Memory tip
Think of the mailman carrying a parcel.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: particula