parlance

noun

par·​lance ˈpär-lən(t)s 

1

: speech

especially : formal debate or parley

… battle and not parlance should determine his right and title.

—John Speed

2

: manner or mode of speech : idiom

The company's computer system had, in computer parlance, "crashed."

Examples of parlance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This season, Cardi B was there right on time—in fashion parlance, that’s only half an hour late. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 8 July 2026

In the parlance of the Democratic Socialists of America, of which Mamdani is a member, collectivism is a good thing. — Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026

The look that stuck with us from his spring 2026 menswear collection, his final for the house, was this brown field jacket—officially, in brand parlance, a hemp blouson. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 17 June 2026

James thrived as a slot cornerback or a nickelback (depending on the parlance), acting as an additional run defender or pass rusher, depending on the situation. — Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 17 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English parlaunce, borrowed from Anglo-French parlance, parlaunce "speech, gossip, debate," from parler "to speak, talk" + -aunce, -ance -ance — more at parley entry 2

Note: Parlance is much more amply attested in Anglo-French than in continental Old and Middle French, especially after ca. 1300. The Dictionnaire du moyen français has only marginal evidence for the word after 1350.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing parlance

• in common parlance

Kids Definition

parlance

noun

par·​lance ˈpär-lən(t)s 

: manner of speech