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

For the tiki lover or macabre appreciator in your life, skip the mass-market-produced ceramic parrot mugs and opt for something spooky and small-batch.

From Los Angeles Times

The second racoon to be caught was found by staff at the top of the zoo's parrot perches on Saturday evening.

From BBC

Two critically endangered parrots have escaped London Zoo.

From BBC

And he has persuaded the official Republican Party, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, to parrot his fatuous disclaimer that he will accept it if it's "free and fair."

From Salon

The estimate was duly parroted by the conservative Hoover Institution.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• recite