Transcription
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
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- [preen]
- /prin/
- /priːn/
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [preen]
- /prin/
Definitions of preen word
- verb with object preen (of animals, especially birds) to trim or dress (feathers, fur, etc.) with the beak or tongue: The peacock preened itself on the lawn. 1
- verb with object preen to dress (oneself) carefully or smartly; primp: The king preened himself in his elaborate ceremonial robes. 1
- verb with object preen to pride (oneself) on an achievement, personal quality, etc.: He preened himself on having been graduated with honors. 1
- verb without object preen to make oneself appear striking or smart in dress or appearance: No amount of careful preening will compensate for poor posture. 1
- verb without object preen to be exultant or proud. 1
- noun preen a pin or brooch. 1
Information block about the term
Origin of preen
First appearance:
before 1480 One of the 25% oldest English words
1480-90; late Middle English prene, variant of Middle English prunen, proynen (see prune3), perhaps by association with prenen, to stab, pierce (v. use, now dial., of prene preen2), from the pricking action of a bird's beak in preening
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Preen
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
preen popularity
A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 81% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
This word is included in each student's vocabulary. Most likely there is at least one movie with this word in the title.
preen usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for preen
verb preen
- blow smoke — (Idiomatic) To speak with a lack of credibility, sense, purpose, or truth; to speak nonsense.
- boast — If someone boasts about something that they have done or that they own, they talk about it very proudly, in a way that other people may find irritating or offensive.
- cock-a-doodle-doo — an imitation or representation of a cock crowing
- deck out — If a person or thing is decked out with or in something, they are decorated with it or wearing it, usually for a special occasion.
- doll up — a small figure representing a baby or other human being, especially for use as a child's toy.
Top questions with preen
- how does preen work?
- how to apply preen?
- how to use preen?
- what is preen?
- what does preen mean?
- when to apply preen?
- how to use preen weed control?
- how to use preen in flower beds?
- why do birds preen themselves?
- why do birds preen their feathers?
- where to buy preen weed preventer?
- what is the meaning of preen?
- what is preen for weeds?
- preen how to use?
- when to use preen?