palaver

[ puh-lav-er, ‑-lah-ver ]

noun

1. a conference or discussion.
2. a parley or conference between European traders, explorers, colonial officials, etc., and people indigenous to a region, especially in West Africa.
3. profuse and idle talk; chatter.
4. persuasive talk; flattery; cajolery:

verb (used without object)

, pa·lav·ered, pa·lav·er·ing.

1. to talk profusely and idly.
2. to parley or confer.

verb (used with object)

, pa·lav·ered, pa·lav·er·ing.

1. to cajole or persuade.

palaver

/ pəˈlɑːvə /

noun

1. tedious or time-consuming business, esp when of a formal nature

   all the palaver of filling in forms

2. loud and confused talk and activity; hubbub
3. (often used humorously) a conference
4. rare.
   talk intended to flatter or persuade
5. 1. an argument
   2. trouble arising from an argument

verb

1. intr (often used humorously) to have a conference
2. intr to talk loudly and confusedly
3. tr to flatter or cajole

Other Words From

• pa·lav·er·er pa·lav·er·ist noun
• pa·lav·er·ment noun
• pa·lav·er·ous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of palaver¹

First recorded in 1710–20; noun from Portuguese palavra “word, speech, talk,” from Late Latin parabola parable; verb derivative of the noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of palaver¹

C18: from Portuguese palavra talk, from Latin parabola parable

Example Sentences

Such palavering is wasted time for a woman facing a literal deadline.

From New York Times

Kéré’s strong affinity for his native land informs his practice — he references local symbols like the baobab or palaver tree; a traditional blue boubou garment he wore as a child.

From Seattle Times

I want to get palaver into a song, too.

From BBC

Perhaps one upside of the palaver is that Radnor residents have become more politically engaged.

From New York Times

Daub brings the same sharp eye for sophistry to other forms of palaver that move capital in Silicon Valley.

From New York Times