parquet

[pahr-key] /pɑrˈkeɪ/
noun
1.
a floor composed of short strips or blocks of wood forming a pattern, sometimes with inlays of other woods or other materials.
2.
the part of the main floor of a theater, opera house, etc., that is between the musicians' area and the parterre or rear division or, especially in the U.S., the entire floor space for spectators.
verb (used with object), parqueted
[pahr-keyd] /pɑrˈkeɪd/ (Show IPA), parqueting
[pahr-key-ing] /pɑrˈkeɪ ɪŋ/ (Show IPA)
3.
to construct (a floor) of parquetry.
Origin
1670-80; < French, diminutive of parc park; see -et
Examples from the web for parquet
  • The parquet floors had long since gone gray and all the wood moldings were muffled with paint.
  • The dogs there are required to wear white socks so as not to scratch the parquet floors.
  • History's echoes are there, but they're heard mostly in the hollow sounds of footsteps on parquet floors.
  • Attractive wood parquet floors and oversized closets are throughout this gracious residence.
  • Along with chic furnishings, rooms have parquet floors and high ceilings.
  • The hostel's nine rooms are stylishly designed with contemporary furniture, parquet floors and modern art pieces.
  • Each room is decorated with wooden furniture and parquet floors.
  • Junior suites are bright with beechwood parquet floors and views back to the lake.
  • It features a large parquet dance floor, terraced banked seating and a sunken bar.
  • Infrared image of gasoline spill on wood parquet floor.
British Dictionary definitions for parquet

parquet

/ˈpɑːkeɪ; -kɪ/
noun
1.
a floor covering of pieces of hardwood fitted in a decorative pattern; parquetry
2.
Also called parquet floor. a floor so covered
3.
(US) the stalls of a theatre
4.
the main part of the Paris Bourse, where officially listed securities are traded Compare coulisse (sense 3)
5.
(in France) the department of government responsible for the prosecution of crimes
verb (transitive)
6.
to cover (a floor) with parquet
Word Origin
C19: from Old French: small enclosure, from parc enclosure; see park
Word Origin and History for parquet
n.

1816, "patterned wooden flooring," from French parquet "wooden flooring; enclosed portion of a park," from Old French parchet (14c.) "small compartment, part of a park or theater," diminutive of parc (see park (n.)).

Meaning "part of a theater auditorium at the front of the ground floor" is first recorded 1848. The noun use in English has been influenced by the verb (attested from 1640s, from French parqueter. Related: Parquetry