1. low protective walls along the edge of a roof, bridge, or balcony
Usage: architecture
2. defensive walls or earthworks protecting soldiers from enemy fire
Usage: military; fortification

Examples

• The castle’s parapets provided excellent views of the surrounding countryside.
• Workers installed safety parapets along the bridge to prevent accidents.
• Soldiers crouched behind the stone parapets during the siege.
• The building’s rooftop parapets were decorated with ornate stonework.
• Medieval archers fired arrows through gaps in the parapets.
• The apartment balcony had low parapets that offered little privacy.
• Engineers reinforced the parapets after discovering structural damage.