parley

¹ American  

[pahr-lee] / ˈpɑr li /

noun

plural

parleys

1. a discussion or conference.

   Synonyms:

   conversation, talk

2. an informal conference between enemies under a truce, especially to discuss terms, conditions of surrender, etc.

---

verb (used without object)

parleyed, parleying

1. to hold an informal conference with an enemy under a truce, as between active hostilities.

2. to speak, talk, or confer.

   Synonyms:

   converse, discuss

Parley ² American  

[pahr-lee] / ˈpɑr li /

noun

1. Peter, pen name of Samuel Griswald Goodrich.

---

parley British  

/ ˈpɑːlɪ /

noun

1. a discussion, esp between enemies under a truce to decide terms of surrender, etc

---

verb

1. (intr) to discuss, esp with an enemy under a truce

2. (tr) to speak (a foreign language)

Other Word Forms

• parleyer noun

Etymology

Origin of parley

1400–50; late Middle English parlai < Middle French parlee, noun use of feminine of parle, past participle of parler to parle

Explanation

A formal discussion between enemies or opponents is called a parley. A British drummer called for a parley between the British and American armies in 1781, and officers from both sides then discussed the terms of Britain's surrender. Parley can also be used as a verb, meaning to discuss or negotiate, such as between enemies or opponents. If your siblings are fighting, you may need to encourage them to parley in another room in order to discuss their differences and hopefully settle the problem once and for all.

Example Sentences

But none of these arguments support the contention of the “Debate Me” Bros and their audience that everyone is equally qualified to parley over every topic.

From Salon • Sep. 17, 2025

Sadat was assassinated in October 1981, a scant three years after that historic parley.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 1, 2025

Putin parks himself at one end of a ridiculously long conference table to parley with a visiting dignitary barely in shouting range.

From Washington Post • Feb. 22, 2022

After the Twitter tango exchange, Falck reached out to his old friend Shah to see if he and their bosses would be amenable to a parley.

From The Verge • Nov. 4, 2021

Only the lieutenants and their seconds were allowed to enter during the parley.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo