1. a thatched roof or open-sided shelter with a roof made of palm leaves or similar material, common in tropical regions of Mexico and Central America
Usage: often used in resort or beach settings

Examples

• We relaxed under the palapa on the beach, protected from the sun.
• The resort had several palapas scattered throughout the property for guests to enjoy.
• The palapa's thatched roof provided excellent shade during the hot afternoon.
• Local vendors set up their stalls beneath colorful palapas at the market.
• The beachfront restaurant was built entirely of wood and palapa roofing.