parrots
|par-rot|
/ˈpærət/
(parrot)
mimicry
Etymology
'parrot' originates from French, specifically the word 'perroquet', where '-et' is a diminutive suffix.
'parrot' changed from Middle/early Modern French 'perroquet' and entered English in the mid-16th century as 'parrot'.
Initially it referred to the bird itself; over time it also developed a figurative meaning for a person who mechanically repeats others' words.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 2
any of various often brightly colored birds of the order Psittaciformes, typically with a strong curved bill and the ability to mimic sounds.
Many parrots can mimic human speech, which makes them popular as pets.
Synonyms
Noun 3
a person who repeats the words or ideas of others without understanding or original thought (figurative use).
Reporters shouldn't be parrots of official statements.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 1
third-person singular present form of 'parrot' (to repeat or imitate mechanically).
He parrots the teacher's phrases without understanding them.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/09/27 06:32