palaver

American  

[puh-lav-er, ‑-lah-ver] / pəˈlæv ər, ‑ˈlɑ vər /

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.

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verb (used without object)

palavered, palavering

1. to talk profusely and idly.

2. to parley or confer.

verb (used with object)

palavered, palavering

1. to cajole or persuade.

palaver British  

/ 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

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verb

1. (intr) (often used humorously) to have a conference

2. (intr) to talk loudly and confusedly

3. (tr) to flatter or cajole

Other Word Forms

• palaverer noun
• palaverist noun
• palaverment noun
• palaverous adjective

Etymology

Origin of palaver

First recorded in 1710–20; noun from Portuguese palavra “word, speech, talk,” from Late Latin parabola parable; verb derivative of the noun

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