parley

¹ American  

[pahr-lee] / ˈpɑr li /

noun

plural

parleys

1. a discussion or conference.

   Synonyms:

   conversation, talk

2. an informal conference between enemies under a truce, especially to discuss terms, conditions of surrender, etc.

---

verb (used without object)

parleyed, parleying

1. to hold an informal conference with an enemy under a truce, as between active hostilities.

2. to speak, talk, or confer.

   Synonyms:

   converse, discuss

Parley ² American  

[pahr-lee] / ˈpɑr li /

noun

1. Peter, pen name of Samuel Griswald Goodrich.

---

parley British  

/ ˈpɑːlɪ /

noun

1. a discussion, esp between enemies under a truce to decide terms of surrender, etc

---

verb

1. (intr) to discuss, esp with an enemy under a truce

2. (tr) to speak (a foreign language)

Other Word Forms

• parleyer noun

Etymology

Origin of parley

1400–50; late Middle English parlai < Middle French parlee, noun use of feminine of parle, past participle of parler to parle

Explanation

A formal discussion between enemies or opponents is called a parley. A British drummer called for a parley between the British and American armies in 1781, and officers from both sides then discussed the terms of Britain's surrender. Parley can also be used as a verb, meaning to discuss or negotiate, such as between enemies or opponents. If your siblings are fighting, you may need to encourage them to parley in another room in order to discuss their differences and hopefully settle the problem once and for all.

Example Sentences

But none of these arguments support the contention of the “Debate Me” Bros and their audience that everyone is equally qualified to parley over every topic.

From Salon • Sep. 17, 2025

Sadat was assassinated in October 1981, a scant three years after that historic parley.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 1, 2025

My dad had a never-ending parley with pirates, but I would break the cycle “Hacker!” my brother muttered behind me.

From The Verge • Aug. 11, 2022

Suwanai, with full-throated flourish, took a couple of approaches to the parley.

From Washington Post • Feb. 28, 2020

As she moved, she inventoried the crew Kaz had brought with him: Dirix, Rotty, Muzzen and Keeg, Anika and Pim, and his chosen seconds for tonight’s parley, Jesper and Big Bolliger.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo