parakeet

or par·ra·keet

[ par-uh-keet ]

noun

1. any of numerous small, slender parrots, usually having a long, pointed, graduated tail, often kept as pets and noted for the ability to mimic speech: several species are endangered.

parakeet

/ ˈpærəˌkiːt /

noun

1. any of numerous small usually brightly coloured long-tailed parrots, such as Psittacula krameri ( ring-necked parakeet ), of Africa

Word History and Origins

Origin of parakeet¹

1575–85; from Middle French paroquet “parrot,” apparently originally a diminutive of P(i)errot, diminutive of Pierre “Peter,” as a name for a parrot; the modern form and its earlier variants have been influenced by Italian parrocchetto and Spanish periquito (both ultimately from Middle French )

Word History and Origins

Origin of parakeet¹

C16: from Spanish periquito and Old French paroquet parrot, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

“All the animals involved were sadly found deceased except for five severely injured parakeets who needed to be humanely euthanized to end their suffering,” Brookhouser said.

From Los Angeles Times

He grew up with dogs, cats, a parakeet and a parrot that lived to 60.

From Los Angeles Times

They said Mallo inappropriately touched the breasts of the woman who was wearing Espanyol’s parakeet costume while players lined up to salute each other before kickoff.

From Seattle Times

He also has a fitness room with weights, treadmill and a rowing machine, while three parakeets fly around the complex.

From Seattle Times

Pastel-hued parakeets sing from a cage near the entrance, underneath a giant Fiddle leaf fig, their sounds meant to soothe not just ears but hearts.

From Los Angeles Times