grooming

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the act of cleaning an animal, especially by brushing its fur or skin.

n. the activity of cleaning and brushing the coat of an animal, such as a horse or dog.

“Regular grooming helps keep your dog's coat healthy and shiny.”

“Daily grooming is essential for stabled horses to prevent skin irritation and ensure the coat remains free of debris.”

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Biology Technical

n. when animals, like monkeys, clean each other to show friendship or stay healthy.

n. a social activity in which animals clean or maintain each other's body or appearance, often to reinforce social bonds.

“Monkeys spend a lot of time grooming each other to strengthen their social group.”

“In many primate species, mutual grooming serves as a vital mechanism for reducing tension and establishing hierarchies within the troop.”

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal

n. the process of training or preparing someone for a high-level job or role.

n. the act of preparing or training a person for a specific future role, particularly for a position of leadership.

“She is being groomed for the position of CEO when the current boss retires.”

“The board spent years on the grooming of the vice president, ensuring he was ready to take over the company's international operations.”

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Law Technical

n. the act of becoming friends with a child or vulnerable person to trick them or hurt them later.

n. the process of building an emotional connection with a vulnerable person to lower their inhibitions for the purpose of sexual abuse or exploitation.

“The police gave a talk at the school about the dangers of online grooming.”

“The prosecution provided evidence of a long period of grooming, during which the defendant used social media to gain the victim's trust.”