What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
parlor
Example
The guests were seated in the parlor, waiting for the host to arrive. [parlor: noun]
Example
I'm thinking of getting a new tattoo at the parlor down the street. [parlor: noun]
salon
Example
I have an appointment at the salon to get my hair cut and styled. [salon: noun]
Example
The literary salon was a popular gathering place for intellectuals in the 18th century. [salon: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Salon is more commonly used than parlor in everyday language. Salon is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while parlor is less common and may have a nostalgic or old-fashioned connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between parlor and salon?
Salon is typically associated with a more formal tone, while parlor can be used in both formal and informal contexts depending on the specific usage.