How to pronounce parlor
Say it like PAR-ler. Parlor has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce parlor. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PAR
- ler
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Parlor pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- lerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of parlor
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PAH-luh.
What does parlor mean?
- The living room of a house, or a room for entertaining guests; a room for talking; a sitting-room or drawing room.
- A comfortable room in a public house.
- A covered open-air patio.
- Used in or appropriate for a parlor.“Parlor painting.”
- Advocating something in a secluded place without actual involvement or action.“Parlor socialism.”
Where does parlor come from?
Inherited from Middle English parlor, from Old French parleor, parloir, parleoir, from the verb parler (“to speak”); compare Medieval Latin parlātōrium.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with parlor
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of parlor.
Words that sound like parlor
Questions about saying parlor
How do you pronounce parlor?
Say PAR-ler. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɑrlɚ/. In British English it is /ˈpɑːlə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in parlor?
Parlor has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAR). Broken into parts: PAR · ler.
Is parlor pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈpɑːlə/ (PAH-luh).
What words sound the same as parlor?
Parlor sounds the same as parlour in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.