ENGLISH
REFERENCE

peacock

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈpiˌkɑk// UK //pˈiːkɒk// pea·cock

n. a large bird with very long, bright blue and green tail feathers. The male bird opens these feathers like a fan to show off.

n. a large male galliform bird of the genus Pavo, noted for its iridescent blue and green plumage and expansive, ocellated tail coverts. Often used metaphorically to describe a person who behaves ostentatiously.


SIMPLE

The peacock spread its colorful tail feathers in the garden.

CONTEXTUAL

Visitors to the estate often stop to photograph the peacock as it wanders across the lawn.

COMPLEX

While the peahen possesses modest brown plumage for camouflage, the peacock relies on its extravagant display to attract a mate during the breeding season.

Usage

The term specifically refers to the male; 'peahen' is the female and 'peafowl' is the collective name for the species.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference