preen

¹

[ preen ]

verb (used with object)

1. (of animals, especially birds) to trim or dress (feathers, fur, etc.) with the beak or tongue:

   The peacock preened itself on the lawn.

2. to dress (oneself ) carefully or smartly; primp:

   The king preened himself in his elaborate ceremonial robes.

3. to pride (oneself ) on an achievement, personal quality, etc.:

   He preened himself on having graduated with honors.

verb (used without object)

1. to make oneself appear striking or smart in dress or appearance:

   No amount of careful preening will compensate for poor posture.

2. to be exultant or proud.

preen

²

[ preen ]

noun

, Chiefly British Dialect.

1. a pin or brooch.

preen

¹

/ priːn /

verb

1. (of birds) to maintain (feathers) in a healthy condition by arrangement, cleaning, and other contact with the bill
2. to dress or array (oneself) carefully; primp
3. usually foll by on to pride or congratulate (oneself)

preen

²

/ priːn /

noun

1. a pin, esp a decorative one

Derived Forms

• ˈpreener, noun

Other Words From

• preen·er noun
• un·preened adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of preen¹

1480–90; late Middle English prene, variant of Middle English prunen, proynen ( prune ³ ), perhaps by association with prenen, to stab, pierce (v. use, now dial., of prene preen ² ), from the pricking action of a bird's beak in preening

Origin of preen²

before 1000; Middle English prene, Old English prēon a pin; cognate with Old Norse prjōnn pin; akin to Dutch priem, German Pfreim awl

Word History and Origins

Origin of preen¹

C14 preinen, probably from prunen to prune ³, influenced by prenen to prick, pin (see preen ²); suggestive of the pricking movement of the bird's beak

Origin of preen²

Old English prēon a pin; related to Middle High German pfrieme awl, Dutch priem bodkin

Example Sentences

He preened, he hugged, he shook hands and hobnobbed with legends and politicians.

From Los Angeles Times

Foster wasn’t the only coach who could preen.

From Los Angeles Times

The Dodger fans had once again let the taunting, preening Padres get under their skin.

From Los Angeles Times

And in the role of Cinderella’s Prince, he turned himself into “a preening fop” who understands full well that he’s meant to be charming, not sincere, as the character himself explains late in the musical.

From Los Angeles Times

His middle school pals call him “Wang Wang,” one of a few silly monikers among his longtime friend group, who preen and posture beyond their years.

From Los Angeles Times