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

The lack of such a database today is undermining efforts in Florida to combat human-trafficking networks at illicit massage parlors, Russo said.

From Washington Post

A guide speaks to visitors briefly in the parlor, the largest room in the house, and then they are free to explore on their own, encountering some meaningful Lincoln quotes and a writing prompt activity along the way.

From Washington Post

With little else to entertain them, central Pennsylvanians flocked to the Carlinos’ OTB parlors.

From Fortune

The spring shutdowns delivered a gut punch to owners of businesses from salons and daycare centers to tattoo parlors.

From Fortune

That’s an interesting question for Washington parlor debate.

From Fortune

The amenities include a fitness room, a sauna, a beauty parlor, and a karaoke setup.

From The Daily Beast

He would be Cory Booker, who has promised to lead a campaign jog to a local ice cream parlor.

From The Daily Beast

But suppose you played the same parlor game with your personal life.

From The Daily Beast

In some areas, the concept of a “temaki shop” is the local equivalent of a by-the-slice pizza parlor.

From The Daily Beast

It was brought into a Parks parlor for my grandmother by her husband, the very day my father was born, March 11, 1911.

From The Daily Beast

Over the mantel in our parlor we have a picture of the lion's den, and it is one of the choicest of our family treasures.

From Project Gutenberg

“Your mother is down town, Miss Jessie,” said the quiet voice of the parlor maid.

From Project Gutenberg

I talked with the men in the bar, and later wandered into the parlor where the women were, some tearful, others indignant.

From Project Gutenberg

My servant's whip, however, soon sent them about their business, and I ventured into the parlor to see what cheer.

From Project Gutenberg

After breakfast, pass an hour or two in the parlor, unless you are going out, whilst the chambermaid puts your room in order.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• drawing room
• living room
• lounge
• salon