PALAVER Definition & Meaning

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palaver

[puh-lav-er, ‑-lah-ver]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a conference or discussion.
a parley or conference between European traders, explorers, colonial officials, etc., and people indigenous to a region, especially in West Africa.
profuse and idle talk; chatter.
persuasive talk; flattery; cajolery.

verb (used without object)

palavered, palavering

to talk profusely and idly.
to parley or confer.

verb (used with object)

palavered, palavering

to cajole or persuade.

palaver

/ ��əˈ��ɑː��ə /

noun

tedious or time-consuming business, esp when of a formal nature
all the palaver of filling in forms
loud and confused talk and activity; hubbub
(often used humorously) a conference
rare��talk intended to flatter or persuade
1. an argument
2. trouble arising from an argument

verb

(intr) (often used humorously) to have a conference
(intr) to talk loudly and confusedly
(tr) to flatter or cajole

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Other 51�Թ� Forms

palaverer noun
palaverist noun
palaverment noun
palaverous adjective

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of palaver¹

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

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of palaver¹

C18: from Portuguese palavra talk, from Latin parabola _parable

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

If that happens, keep your eye on the palaver about disability; it’s almost certain to experience a resurgence.

From

Such palavering is wasted time for a woman facing a literal deadline.

From

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

I want to get palaver into a song, too.

From

Perhaps one upside of the palaver is that Radnor residents have become more politically engaged.

From

Palau Palawan

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