Parka
PAR-kuh
/ˈpɑːrkə/
A large, windproof winter jacket with a hood, often lined with fur or synthetic fur, designed for extreme cold.
Typically refers to a longer, heavily insulated jacket (often down-filled) featuring a fur-trimmed hood, designed for arctic or severe winter conditions.
The story behind the word. The word 'parka' comes to us from the Nenets language of Samoyedic origin in Arctic Russia. It literally meant 'a coat made of skins' (usually reindeer hide). It entered English via Russian and Aleut trade routes in the late 18th century, preserving its association with ultimate polar survival.
Word relationships
- anorak: An anorak is historically a pullover jacket, whereas a parka is typically longer and opens fully down the front with a zipper.
- down jacket: A down jacket refers specifically to the insulation fill, while a parka refers to the style, length, and presence of a hood.
- windbreaker: A windbreaker is a very thin, uninsulated jacket designed only to block wind and light rain.
Commonly confused with
- Anorak: A parka is usually longer, heavier, and has a full zipper, while an anorak is traditionally a pullover style with a large front pocket.
Word family
- parkas (Noun): Plural form of parka.
Collocations
- down parka
- fur-trimmed parka
- expedition parka
- heavy parka
Example sentences
- "Clad in a thick down parka and heavy mittens, I stood on the summit of Everest." A real citation from Jon Krakauer's account of climbing Mount Everest.
- "She zipped up her heavy down parka before stepping out into the howling Alaskan blizzard." Describing preparation for a harsh northern winter.
Memory hook
Think of parking your car in an amusement park during a freezing winter—you need a heavy 'PARK-a' to survive walking around. Park your body in a warm parka.
When not to use
Do not use for lightweight rain jackets or formal wool coats.
Fun facts
- The US military standardized the parka design during the Korean War, creating the famous 'fishtail parka' to keep soldiers warm on the front lines.
Explore more words
windbreaker, tracksuit, polar, cashmere, blizzard, Double-breasted
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