preener

preen

P p

Transcription

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [preen]
- /prin/

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [preen]
- /prin/

Definitions of preener word

verb with object preener (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 preener to dress (oneself) carefully or smartly; primp: The king preened himself in his elaborate ceremonial robes. 1
verb with object preener to pride (oneself) on an achievement, personal quality, etc.: He preened himself on having been graduated with honors. 1
verb without object preener 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 preener to be exultant or proud. 1

See all 5 definitions of preener

Information block about the term

Origin of preener

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 Preener

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

Full grammatical hierarchy of Preener

preener 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.

According to our data most of word are more popular. This word is almost not used. It has a much more popular synonym.

preener usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer