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

If that happens, keep your eye on the palaver about disability; it’s almost certain to experience a resurgence.

From Los Angeles Times

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