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parts

/pɑːts/

The word 'parts' is a plural noun. It is used to refer to segments, components, roles, or regions. When referring to components of a machine, it's often used in the plural, like 'spare parts'. When referring to a role in a play, it is also typically plural, as in 'acting parts'. As a geographical term, 'parts' often refers to a region or area, for example, 'in these parts of the country'. It can also refer to one's share of duty or a role, as in 'play your parts well'. It is generally used in informal and formal contexts.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon; Victoria is in a board meeting while Mr. Sterling is at his private golf club.
Mr. Sterling

Victoria, the soul of this company is fragmented. We need more spare parts.

Mr. Sterling
Victoria
Victoria

We are a software firm, sir. We don't use physical parts.

💡
The dialogue highlights the disconnect between Mr. Sterling's metaphorical, eccentric way of speaking and Victoria's literal, hyper-competent nature. Mr. Sterling uses 'parts' as a vague metaphor for organizational components, while Victoria corrects him by pointing out they deal in digital products.

Meanings

noun

A portion or share of a larger whole.

"a large parts of the city"

noun

Components or elements of a machine or system.

"spare parts for the car"

noun

A role or character in a play or film.

"she got the main parts"

noun

A person's share or duty.

"play your parts well"

noun

A region or area.

"in these parts of the country"

noun

Musical accompaniment for a specific instrument or voice.

"the violin parts were difficult"

noun

A constituent element or factor.

"essential parts of the plan"

Examples

Look, I just need some spare parts for this engine!

I can't believe she actually got the lead parts!

Listen, we all have to play our parts here.

I've lived in these parts for twenty long years.

These violin parts are way too fast for me!

It is just one of the many parts of life.

Wait, these are essential parts of the whole agreement!

The car is missing several small parts from the grill.

I only want a few parts of that cake, thanks.

The script has some really challenging parts for the actor.

Collocations & Compounds

spare parts

Components kept available for use when needed to replace damaged or worn-out ones.

We need to order more spare parts for the machinery.

leading parts

The main roles in a play, film, or performance.

She always auditions for the leading parts.

essential parts

Crucial or fundamental components or elements.

These are the essential parts of the engine.

northern parts

The northern regions or areas of a country or place.

He grew up in the northern parts of Spain.

acting parts

Roles or characters that an actor plays.

He has played many different acting parts.

Idioms & Sayings

play your part

To do your share of a job or activity.

Everyone must play their part in keeping the office clean.

in all parts

In every respect; completely.

The plan was flawed in all parts.

parts and parcels

Integral or inseparable components or aspects of something.

The challenges are the parts and parcels of any new venture.

Etymology

The word 'parts' derives from the Latin word 'pars', meaning 'a portion, piece, share, division'. It entered Old French as 'part' and was adopted into Middle English around the 13th century. Its meaning has remained remarkably consistent, referring to a portion of a whole, a component, a role, or a region.

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error