parley

1 of 2

verb

par·​ley ˈpär-lē How to pronounce parley (audio)
parleyed; parleying
Synonyms of parley

intransitive verb

: to speak with another : confer
specifically : to discuss terms with an enemy
The government refused to parley with the rebels.

parley

2 of 2

noun

plural parleys
1
a
: a conference for discussion of points in dispute
b
: a conference with an enemy
2
: discussion

Synonyms of parley

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Verb

Noun

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Examples of parley in a Sentence

Verb in an effort to win the goodwill of the locals, the developers parleyed with them before finalizing plans for the massive mall Noun held a parley to debate the proposed change in the town's zoning laws can we meet for an informal parley to see if we can effect a compromise?
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
But they are flattered that outsiders are interested, and insist on their right to parley with all comers. — The Economist, 24 Aug. 2019 The tectonic buzz and growl of a didgeridoo, played with athletic skill by Harry Wilson, parleyed with the music, then settled beneath it like bedrock. — Matthew Guerrieri, Washington Post, 17 Oct. 2019
Noun
For a moment, this high-stakes parley thrust the duo into the spotlight, showing voters that lawmakers can effectively cross the aisle to serve the public. — Erin B. Logan, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2023 And, as part of the risk calculation, this parleys into the probability assessment. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for parley

Word History

Etymology

Verb

derivative of parley entry 2

Noun

Middle English parlay "speech," borrowed from Anglo-French parlee, parly "speech, conversation, debate," probably noun derivative from feminine of parlé, past participle of parler "to speak, talk," going back to early Medieval Latin parabolāre, noun derivative of Late Latin parabola "comparison, allegory, proverb, discourse, speech" — more at parable

First Known Use

Verb

1576, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of parley was in 1576

Rhymes for parley

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Parley.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parley. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

parley

verb
par·​ley
ˈpär-lē
parleyed; parleying
: to speak with another : confer
especially : to discuss terms with an enemy
parley noun
Etymology

Verb

derived from early French parler "to speak" — related to parliament, parlor see Word History at parlor

Biographical Definition

Parley

biographical name

Peter see Samuel Griswold goodrich

More from Merriam-Webster on parley

Nglish: Translation of parley for Spanish Speakers

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