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 psittacine
2. a person who repeats or imitates the words or actions of another unintelligently
3. sick as a parrot facetious.
   extremely disappointed

verb

1. tr to repeat or imitate mechanically without understanding

Derived Forms

• ˈparrotry, noun

Other Words From

• parrot·like adjective
• parrot·y adjective

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

Seeing how easily Elphaba’s good nature is twisted to fit the agenda of those who seek uniformity and total control is unnervingly parallel to the racist rhetoric so often parroted by conservative mouthpieces.

From Salon

Ms. Gabbard’s comments have earned her sharp rebukes from officials across the political spectrum in Washington, who have accused her of parroting the anti-American propaganda of the country’s adversaries.

From New York Times

There are verbal routines in “Godot” that Abbott and Costello would have been right at home parroting and physical comedy sequences that Laurel and Hardy would have gladly taken a tumble for.

From Los Angeles Times

From the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro to the shoulders of pirates: parrots are synonymous with colour for people across the world.

From Science Daily

Journalists are supposed to alert you to the threat, not parrot the propagandists.

From Salon

Related Words

• recite