parlor game

American  

noun

1. any game usually played indoors, especially in the living room or parlor, as a word game or a quiz, requiring little or no physical activity.

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Etymology

Origin of parlor game

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

The fact that it was a parlor game, not pointillism, that inspired the lyric is proof of Sondheim’s credo that “playful doesn’t mean trivial any more than solemn means serious.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Playing a parlor game, he drew a card that asked, “Do you think you have an artistic temperament?”

From Los Angeles Times

A parlor game among attendees was comparing the scores generated by their Oura Ring health trackers, which were generally low given back-to-back meetings during the day and partying well into the night.

From New York Times

Sheets said, referring to the parlor game where players create elaborate chains of actors who have appeared together on screen.

From Seattle Times

“Our democracy is on the line. … And I frankly, in my head, do not have time for parlor games, when we have a president who is running for reelection. That’s it.”

From Washington Times

Related Words

• board game