Parlour vs. Parlor: Decoding the Right Spelling
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 30, 2023
Parlour is incorrect spelling in American English while Parlor is correct, referring to a room in a house used for conversation or reception.
Which is correct: Parlour or Parlor
How to spell Parlor?
Parlour is Incorrect
Parlor is Correct
How to remember correct spelling of Parlor?
Think of 'parlor' as 'parl-or', where 'or' is preferred in American spelling.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
Use a mnemonic: "People Always Relish Lovely, Original Rooms" for 'parlor'.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
Visualize 'parlor' as a simpler form, in line with American English's tendency to simplify spellings.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
Remember, 'parlor' in American English drops the 'u' just like 'color' and 'honor'.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
Associate 'parlor' with 'harbor', both having similar endings in American English.
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Dec 30, 2023
Parlor Definitions
A room in a funeral home where visitors can pay respects.
The funeral parlor was quietly arranged with flowers.
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Dec 30, 2023
A room in a private house for entertaining guests.
The guests were seated in the parlor for tea.
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Dec 30, 2023
A place of business providing specific services.
The tattoo parlor was known for its artistic designs.
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Dec 30, 2023
Historically, a term for a comfortable sitting room.
The Victorian house had an elegantly furnished parlor.
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Dec 30, 2023
A room in a private home set apart for the entertainment of visitors.
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Oct 19, 2023
A small lounge or sitting room affording limited privacy, as at an inn or tavern.
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Oct 19, 2023
A business establishment with one or more rooms equipped and furnished for a special function
A tanning parlor.
A funeral parlor.
An ice-cream parlor.
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Oct 19, 2023
The living room of a house, or a room for entertaining guests; a room for talking; a sitting-room or drawing room
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Oct 19, 2023
(archaic) The apartment in a monastery or nunnery where the residents are permitted to meet and converse with each other or with visitors from the outside.
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Oct 19, 2023
(archaic) A comfortable room in a public house.
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Oct 19, 2023
A covered open-air patio.
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Oct 19, 2023
A shop or other business selling goods or services specified by context.
A tattoo parlor
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Oct 19, 2023
A shed used for milking cattle.
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Oct 19, 2023
(Philippines) beauty parlor
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Oct 19, 2023
A room for business or social conversation, for the reception of guests, etc.
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Oct 19, 2023
A room in an inn or club where visitors can be received.
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Oct 19, 2023
Reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received
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Oct 19, 2023
A room in a private house or establishment where people can sit and talk and relax
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Oct 19, 2023
Informally, a shop selling ice cream and desserts.
The local ice cream parlor was a hit in summer.
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Dec 30, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are there any common phrases or idioms using "parlor"?
Yes, phrases like "parlor games" or "parlor room" are commonly used.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
What is the origin of the word "parlor"?
Parlor comes from the Old French 'parloir', meaning a place to speak, emphasizing its use as a reception area.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
Why is "parlour" considered incorrect in American English?
In American English, 'parlour' is the British spelling, while 'parlor' is the Americanized version, following the pattern of simplifying spellings.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
Does "parlor" have any synonyms?
Yes, words like salon, lounge, or drawing room are synonyms for parlor.
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Dec 30, 2023
Is the pronunciation of "parlor" different from "parlour"?
Both words are pronounced similarly, with minor variations in accent between British and American English.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
Can "parlour" be found in American English dictionaries?
Yes, but it's noted as the British spelling, with 'parlor' being the preferred American spelling.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
Is "parlor" used differently in British and American English?
Yes, the spelling differs ('parlour' in British, 'parlor' in American), but the meaning remains largely the same.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
Does "parlor" have a different meaning in different contexts?
Yes, it can refer to a room in a house, a type of business, or a specific service area.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
Is "parlour" a correct spelling in British English?
Yes, "parlour" is the correct British English spelling.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
Can "parlor" be used in a commercial context?
Yes, it's often used in the names of businesses like ice cream parlors or tattoo parlors.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
How can one remember the spelling of "parlor"?
By associating it with other American spellings that omit 'u', like 'color' or 'honor'.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
Are there any cultural references to the word "parlor"?
In culture, "parlor" often appears in historical contexts or when referring to traditional or quaint settings.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
What is the historical use of "parlor"?
Historically, it referred to a sitting room in a house, especially during the Victorian era.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
What are common mistakes when using "parlor"?
Common mistakes include confusing the American and British spellings or misusing it in different contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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