This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
popinjay
[ pop-in-jey ]
/ ˈpɒp ɪnˌdʒeɪ /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Origin of popinjay
First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English papejay, popingay, papinjai(e), from Middle French papegai, papingay “parrot,” ultimately from Arabic bab(ba)ghā', probably imitative of the bird's cry
Words nearby popinjay
popeyed, pop fly, popgun, pop-in, popinac, popinjay, popish, Popish Plot, poplar, Poplar Bluff, poplin
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use popinjay in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for popinjay
popinjay
/ (ˈpɒpɪnˌdʒeɪ) /
noun
a conceited, foppish, or excessively talkative person
an archaic word for parrot
the figure of a parrot used as a target
Word Origin for popinjay
C13 papeniai, from Old French papegay a parrot, from Spanish papagayo, from Arabic babaghā
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