Origin: Greek prefix para-
Parade has 7 different meanings across 2 categories:
a ceremonial procession including people marching
"The town organized a vibrant parade to celebrate the national holiday, featuring bands and floats marching down the main street."
an extended (often showy) succession of persons or things
"a parade of strollers on the mall"
"a parade of witnesses"
An organized procession consisting of a series of consecutive displays, performances, exhibits, etc. displayed by moving down a street past a crowd of spectators.
"The city hosted an annual parade featuring marching bands and floats that wound through the main avenue while thousands cheered from the sidewalks."
In plain English: A parade is when people march together down a street, often with music and decorations to celebrate something special.
"The city streets were filled with color and music during the annual holiday parade."
Usage: Use the noun "parade" to describe an organized public procession featuring floats and performers that moves along a route for spectators to watch. The verb form applies when people march formally, often with rhythmic steps, rather than simply walking together casually.
To march in or as if in a procession.
"The students paraded down the main street wearing their colorful graduation caps and gowns."
In plain English: To parade means to walk around showing off something proudly, often while trying to impress other people.
"The children will parade through the town square to celebrate the festival."
The word "parade" comes from the French parade, which originally meant an ostentatious or military display derived from a verb meaning to beautify or prepare. It entered English with this sense of public exhibition, influenced by earlier Italian and Latin terms related to preparation and grandeur.