preen
1(of animals, especially birds) to trim or dress (feathers, fur, etc.) with the beak or tongue: The peacock preened itself on the lawn.
to dress (oneself) carefully or smartly; primp: The king preened himself in his elaborate ceremonial robes.
to pride (oneself) on an achievement, personal quality, etc.: He preened himself on having graduated with honors.
to make oneself appear striking or smart in dress or appearance: No amount of careful preening will compensate for poor posture.
to be exultant or proud.
Origin of preen
1Other words from preen
- preen·er, noun
- un·preened, adjective
Words Nearby preen
Other definitions for preen (2 of 2)
a pin or brooch.
Origin of preen
2Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use preen in a sentence
Owls normally find naturally occurring hideaways to preen, sleep, and build nests.
When the loon was released, Mager said it seemed to swim out onto the lake, preening itself.
How a group of strangers came together to rescue a lonely loon on a small lake in Virginia | Dana Hedgpeth | May 28, 2021 | Washington PostA Manassas retiree who had started a Facebook page when the loon landed in Fairfax posted daily pictures and comments that tracked the loon swimming, preening, fish-catching and eating.
How a group of strangers came together to rescue a lonely loon on a small lake in Virginia | Dana Hedgpeth | May 28, 2021 | Washington PostSince then, posts and updates on the loon have taken off as many report on its every move, from eating a fish to preening its feathers.
A loon came to rest in a suburban Virginia pond. The ‘loonarazzi’ is following its every move. | Dana Hedgpeth | May 6, 2021 | Washington PostSam liked to wear fancy necklaces, the flashier the better, and strut and preen like Marlene Dietrich in “The Blue Angel.”
Gene Weingarten: Confessions of a compassionate hit man | Gene Weingarten | February 25, 2021 | Washington Post
Hot pink takes the preen by Thornton Bregazzi runway in London.
This is not the first time Palin has attempted to sun and preen herself in the heat of a Thatcherite sun.
Rather than preen about whether he could win, Christie considered whether he should win.
An endless stream of 2012 presidential wannabes will preen for adoring fans and plentiful cameras.
The Right Invades Washington | Samuel P. Jacobs, Shushannah Walshe | February 8, 2011 | THE DAILY BEASTA few moments to preen and promenade for the cameras following months of planning and fitting, hours of hair and makeup.
The stones and metal rattle inEach dry and withering ear, As lackadaisical they loll,And preen themselves, and peer.
Charles Baudelaire, His Life | Thophile GautierI saw him rise from his chair; I saw the astounded look of old Deborah preen when she came in with his supper ale in a jug.
Johnny Ludlow, Fourth Series | Mrs. Henry WoodThe nurse wore a scared face; Deborah preen, wringing her hands, burst out sobbing.
Johnny Ludlow, Fourth Series | Mrs. Henry WoodSoftly, calmly, with the purest joy he sang, pausing at the end of every few bars to preen and call.
Roof and Meadow | Dallas Lore SharpHe was a very polished prince, and when he had eaten his dinner he turned round to the lady and sought a preen to pyke his teeth.
Spare Hours | John Brown
British Dictionary definitions for preen (1 of 2)
/ (priːn) /
(of birds) to maintain (feathers) in a healthy condition by arrangement, cleaning, and other contact with the bill
to dress or array (oneself) carefully; primp
(usually foll by on) to pride or congratulate (oneself)
Origin of preen
1Derived forms of preen
- preener, noun
British Dictionary definitions for preen (2 of 2)
/ (priːn) /
Scot a pin, esp a decorative one
Origin of preen
2Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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