parrot

[par-uht]

noun

1. 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.

2. a person who, without thought or understanding, merely repeats the words or imitates the actions of another.

verb (used with object)

1. to repeat or imitate without thought or understanding.

2. to teach to repeat or imitate in such a fashion.

parrot

/ ˈpærət /

noun

1. any bird of the tropical and subtropical order Psittaciformes, having a short hooked bill, compact body, bright plumage, and an ability to mimic sounds

2. a person who repeats or imitates the words or actions of another unintelligently

3. facetious,  extremely disappointed

verb

1. (tr) to repeat or imitate mechanically without understanding

Other Word Forms

• parrotlike adjective
• parroty adjective
• parrotry noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of parrot¹

1515–25; apparently < Middle French P ( i ) errot, diminutive of Pierre ( parakeet ), though a comparable sense of the French word is not known until the 18th century

Word History and Origins

Origin of parrot¹

C16: probably from French paroquet; see _parakeet

Example Sentences

She explained that many parrot species develop strong, lasting relationships with one or two partners.

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Everyone else parrots the official ruling, especially those who have something to gain.

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The old woman repeated the phrase in her creaky, accented English, like an ancient Russian parrot.

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Some birds, such as parrots, are known to be good talkers, but to Penelope’s knowledge there had never been a great orator among them.

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Alas, the book had been lost in a high-speed chase involving singing pirates and a howling parrot.

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Related Words

• recite