parrot

Pronunciation: /ˈpæɹət/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun usually brightly colored zygodactyl tropical birds with short hooked beaks and the ability to mimic sounds
  2. noun a copycat who does not understand the words or acts being imitated
  3. verb repeat mindlessly

Etymology

First attested in 1525. From Middle French perrot, either a diminutive of Pierre or a shortened form of perroquet (whence also parakeet). Compare French pierrot and Occitan parrat. A number of origins have been suggested for perroquet, such as Spanish periquito and Italian parrocchetto. The relationship between these various words is disputed. Replaced earlier popinjay.

In classic literature

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
bird
Narrower (hyponyms)
kea, cockatoo, popinjay, cockateel, lory, parakeet

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