parlor

[ pahr-ler ]

noun

1. Older Use. a room for the reception and entertainment of visitors to one's home; living room.
2. a room, apartment, or building serving as a place of business for certain businesses or professions:

   funeral parlor; beauty parlor.

3. a somewhat private room in a hotel, club, or the like for relaxation, conversation, etc.; lounge.
4. Also called locutorium. a room in a monastery or the like where the inhabitants may converse with visitors or with each other.

adjective

1. advocating something, as a political view or doctrine, at a safe remove from actual involvement in or commitment to action:

   parlor leftism; parlor pink.

Word History and Origins

Origin of parlor¹

1175–1225; Middle English parlur < Anglo-French; Old French parleor, equivalent to parl ( er ) to speak ( parle ) + -eor -or ²

Example Sentences

Christopher cites the freewheeling nature of the ’50s folk scene as a large influence on his father’s art, which had the sort of bold colors and intricate, line-heavy work one sees in a tattoo parlor.

From Los Angeles Times

Ward was shot and killed in 1998 when he tried to thwart an armed robbery and fired at two suspects, including the shooter, in an underground betting parlor in Harlem.

From Los Angeles Times

They literally accused her of staying artificially young by sacrificing children in a secret lair beneath a pizza parlor.

From Los Angeles Times

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Chinese from Oberlin College, he traveled around the world studying languages and working odd jobs, including at an ice cream parlor.

From Los Angeles Times

Let’s play a parlor game titled “What’s the dumbest thing Elon Musk has ever done?”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• drawing room
• living room
• lounge
• salon