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

The documentary “Parrot Kindergarten” explores what happens when a parrot named Ellie chooses to grieve.

Read more on Salon

That’s at least more interesting than Nick continuing to parrot that he’s taking accountability.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

According to the study, Snowball had 14 distinct dance moves, including a “headbang with lifted foot” and a parrot version of “voguing.”

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Players have started to parrot them as well.

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Many of the beasts have comical attributes: feathered elbows, parrot beaks or sail-like membranes on their heads.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• recite