noun
parley
PAH-lee
Parley (noun) means a meeting to discuss terms, especially between opposing sides or enemies. Example: “The two warring chiefs agreed to a parley before the battle.”
noun
1
A meeting to discuss terms, especially between opposing sides or enemies.
"The two warring chiefs agreed to a parley before the battle."
verb
1
To meet and talk with an opponent, usually to discuss terms of peace or surrender.
"The captain parleyed with the pirates before they boarded the ship."
How to use parley
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA discussion between two opposing sides, often to try to end a conflict.
Common mistake
Not to be confused with "parlay," which is about betting or building on a success.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- parleys
- Third person singular
- parleys
- Past tense
- parleyed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The two warring chiefs agreed to a _____ before the battle.
Etymology
From Old French parler, "to speak" — a distant relative of "parable" and "palaver."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for parley
See all rhymes for parley →Frequently asked questions
What does “parley” mean?
The word “parley” means a meeting to discuss terms, especially between opposing sides or enemies. In plain terms, a discussion between two opposing sides, often to try to end a conflict.
How do you pronounce “parley”?
“Parley” is pronounced PAH-lee (/ˈpɑɹli/ in IPA).
How do you use “parley” in a sentence?
Here is “parley” used in a sentence: “The two warring chiefs agreed to a parley before the battle.”
What part of speech is “parley”?
Depending on how it is used, “parley” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “parley” come from?
The word “parley” comes from Old French. From Old French parler, "to speak" — a distant relative of "parable" and "palaver.".
How many meanings does “parley” have?
“Parley” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a meeting to discuss terms, especially between opposing sides or enemies.
