Transcription
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
-
- [preen]
- /prin/
- /priːn/
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [preen]
- /prin/
Definitions of preening word
- verb with object preening (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 preening to dress (oneself) carefully or smartly; primp: The king preened himself in his elaborate ceremonial robes. 1
- verb with object preening to pride (oneself) on an achievement, personal quality, etc.: He preened himself on having been graduated with honors. 1
- verb without object preening 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 preening to be exultant or proud. 1
Information block about the term
Origin of preening
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 Preening
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
preening 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.
preening usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for preening
Top questions with preening
- what is preening?
- what is preening in birds?
- what is the meaning of preening?
- why is preening important for birds?
See also
Matching words
- Words starting with p
- Words starting with pr
- Words starting with pre
- Words starting with pree
- Words starting with preen
- Words starting with preeni
- Words starting with preenin
- Words starting with preening