preen
verb (used with object)
(of animals, especially birds) to trim or dress (feathers, fur, etc.) with the beak or tongue.
has been preening
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present perfect progressiveof preen (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The former pharmaceutical CEO, who became a pariah after raising the cost of a life-saving drug 5,000%, has been preening for cameras and trolling on social media, potentially complicating his defense.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 26, 2017
The extravagantly renovated Bolshoi Theater has been preening like a prima donna before the news media’s flashbulbs since it reopened in October.
From New York Times ● Jan. 6, 2012
