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.

All the more emblematic that these events took place in Rio, Brazil's flagship city, which is preening to host world class events such as next year's soccer World Cup and the 2016 summer Olympics.

From Newsweek • Aug. 30, 2013

As her leading man, Jack Cassidy is a personable peacock of vanity, but all his part calls for is preening.

From Time Magazine Archive

The lower back and rump are white, but these are scarcely visible except during flight or when the bird is preening its feathers.

From Birds of the Indian Hills by Dewar, Douglas

Awake, 'tis day, 'tis light; The sun stands over Waihoa, Afloat on the breast of ocean; The iwa of Leinoai is preening 25On the cliff Maka-iki-olea.

From Unwritten Literature of Hawaii The Sacred Songs of the Hula by Emerson, Nathaniel Bright