- pronunciation:
- par
l
r
- features:
- Word History, Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition 1: |
A parlor is a room used for conversation or for entertaining guests. Most homes don't have a "parlor" anymore, but they used to be common. Nowadays, many people have a living room where they have conversation with people and where they also do things like watch TV, play games, or read.
The old house had a parlor at the front of the house where Mrs. Nolan served tea to her guests in the afternoon. |
| definition 2: |
Some types of business places are called "parlors." A place where a hairdresser works, for example, is sometimes called a "beauty parlor."
There is an old-fashioned ice cream parlor downtown. They serve fantastic sundaes. |
| related words: |
chamber |
Parlor comes from an early French word that means "chat room."