ENGLISH
REFERENCE

parrot

n. countable
A2 Elementary US //ˈpɛɹət// UK //pˈæɹət// par·rot Archaic Slang

n. a tropical bird with bright feathers and a curved beak that can sometimes copy human speech.

n. a zygodactyl bird of the order Psittaciformes, typically characterised by vivid plumage and a decurved bill. Often kept as a pet due to its ability to mimic vocal sounds.


SIMPLE

The colorful parrot repeated every word I said.

CONTEXTUAL

While hiking through the rainforest, we spotted a wild parrot perched high in the canopy.

COMPLEX

Ethologists have observed that certain parrot species demonstrate advanced cognitive abilities, including problem-solving skills and the capacity to use tools to extract seeds from hard shells.

Origin

First attested in 1525. From Middle French perrot, either a diminutive of Pierre or a shortened form of perroquet (whence also parakeet). Compare French pierrot and Occitan parrat. A number of origins have been suggested for perroquet, such as Spanish periquito and Italian parrocchetto. The relationship between these various words is disputed. Replaced earlier popinjay.

Idioms2 entries

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