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
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
In a spread photographed by Mario Testino, Upton preens in body-hugging designs that emphasize her healthy bronzed glow.
Bruni preens for French Vogue's January cover with a story inside that details how her, "generation doesn't need feminism."
Carla Bruni Covers French Vogue; YSL's Open Letter to WWD | The Fashion Beast Team | November 26, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTI'm sick of working my fingers to the bone while she primps and preens and talks all the time about going to Earth.
No Charge for Alterations | Horace Leonard GoldIt feels its strength, spreads and preens itself, and is away to the forest to meet its fate.
Jewel Weed | Alice Ames WinterShe preens and dries them and keeps them close under her for days.
Children's Literature | Charles Madison Curry
The Miss Preens had descended at a fourth-rate hotel, picked out of the guide-book.
Johnny Ludlow, Fifth Series | Mrs. Henry WoodOne fine spring morning the Miss Preens packed up their bag and baggage and started for the Continent.
Johnny Ludlow, Fifth Series | Mrs. Henry Wood
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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