parrot
[ par-uh t ]
/ ˈpær ət /
noun
any of numerous hook-billed, often brilliantly colored birds of the order Psittaciformes, as the cockatoo, lory, macaw, or parakeet, having the ability to mimic speech and often kept as pets.
a person who, without thought or understanding, merely repeats the words or imitates the actions of another.
verb (used with object)
to repeat or imitate without thought or understanding.
to teach to repeat or imitate in such a fashion.
RELATED CONTENT
Do Dogs Actually Understand Human Language?Anyone who has ever seen their dog hop to attention when they used the word “treat” knows that dogs obviously understand the same words as humans. But is it accurate to say that animals use language? Man’s best friend is hardly the only animal capable of amazing humans with communication skills. Extensive studies using gestural communication (sign language) explore the cognitive potential in the great apes. …
Nearby words
Origin of parrot
1515–25; apparently < Middle French P(i)errot, diminutive of Pierre (see parakeet), though a comparable sense of the French word is not known until the 18th century
Related formspar·rot·like, adjectivepar·rot·y, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for parrot
British Dictionary definitions for parrot
parrot
/ (ˈpærət) /
noun
any bird of the tropical and subtropical order Psittaciformes, having a short hooked bill, compact body, bright plumage, and an ability to mimic soundsRelated adjective: psittacine
a person who repeats or imitates the words or actions of another unintelligently
sick as a parrot usually facetious extremely disappointed
verb -rots, -roting or -roted
(tr) to repeat or imitate mechanically without understanding
Derived Formsparrotry, noun
Word Origin for parrot
C16: probably from French paroquet; see parakeet
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012