A salon is a gathering place where people meet for conversation, learning, and the exchange of ideas. The word originally described elegant meetings in private homes, usually hosted by educated and influential people, where writers, artists, scientists, and philosophers would gather to discuss important topics. These salons were especially popular in France during the 1700s and 1800s, where brilliant thinkers would spend evenings debating literature, politics, science, and art.

Today, the word has taken on a different common meaning: a business where people go to have their hair cut, styled, or colored. A hair salon might also offer other services like manicures or facials. When someone gets a haircut, they might go to a salon.

You might also hear the phrase salon conversation, which describes the kind of thoughtful, wide-ranging discussion that happened in those original French gatherings.