Parcel Meaning: Wrapped Package Explained with Examples

Meaning 1：wrapped package (parcel)

parcel 🔊

/ˈpɑːrsəl/

A thing or group of things wrapped in paper for sending by post.

Parcel wrapped in brown paper with shipping label on doorstep

wrapped package 🔊

➕

/ræpt ˈpækɪdʒ/

A parcel is an object or collection of objects wrapped in paper or other material for transport or mailing.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old French 'parcelle', from Latin 'particula' (small part), diminutive of 'pars' (part).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'parcel' as 'part' + 'cell' – a package contains parts packed in a cell.

📖 Example

The postman handed me a parcel from my grandma, which smelled like cookies. 🔊 The postman handed me a parcel from my grandma, which smelled like cookies.

🔗 Collocations

send a parcel – to mail a package

receive a parcel – to get a package

parcel delivery – the service of transporting packages

🔄 Synonyms

package (n.) – A parcel or box of items

packet (n.) – A small parcel or container

bundle (n.) – A collection of things tied together

🌱 Derivatives

parcel (v.) – To divide into portions

parceling (n.) – The act of dividing or packaging

parcelled (adj.) – Divided or packaged into portions

📖 Cultural Story

Originally referred to a small piece of land ('parcel of land'); by 16th century came to mean a package for mailing. Today ubiquitous in e-commerce shipping.