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Preen: meaning, definitions and examples

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preen

 

[ priหn ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

bird behavior

To preen is to clean and arrange the feathers of a bird using its beak. This behavior is essential for maintaining the health of a bird's plumage. Preening helps to remove dirt, parasites, and dead feathers. Additionally, it helps in the distribution of oils from the preen gland, which keeps feathers waterproof and insulated. Birds often engage in this activity as part of their regular routine.

Synonyms

clean, groom, tidy

Examples of usage

  • The parrot preened its feathers meticulously.
  • After a bath, the duck spent a long time preening.
  • The eagle was seen preening on the branch.
  • She watched the swans preening in the sunlight.
Context #2 | Verb

personal grooming

To preen can also refer to a person's act of grooming themselves, typically to appear more attractive or presentable. This may involve fixing hair, adjusting clothing, or applying makeup. The term is often used to describe someone who is excessively concerned with their appearance and may convey a sense of vanity or self-indulgence.

Synonyms

adjust, groom, smooth

Examples of usage

  • He spent an hour preening in front of the mirror.
  • She couldn't help but preen before the event.
  • The models were preening before the fashion show.

Translations

Translations of the word "preen" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น alisar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคœเคพเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช putzen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ merapikan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั€ะธะณะปะฐะดะถัƒะฒะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ wygล‚adzaฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็พฝใ‚’ๆ•ดใˆใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท lisser

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ alisar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dรผzeltmek

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ •๋ฆฌํ•˜๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชู†ุธูŠู

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hladit

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ hladiลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ•ด็†

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ urediti

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ slรฉtta

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถำฉะฝะดะตัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ แƒ”แƒ“แƒแƒฅแƒขแƒ˜แƒ แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dรผzษ™ltmษ™k

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ alisar

Etymology

The word 'preen' originates from the Middle English term 'prenen', which likely comes from the Old French 'prener', meaning 'to take'. The association of the word with birds is believed to have developed around the early 15th century. The concept of grooming and tidying oneself has been integral to both animal behavior and human customs. In ornithology, preening is a vital behavior for feather maintenance, directly impacting flight and insulation. The evolution of the term has expanded to include personal grooming activities in humans, often carrying connotations of vanity or meticulousness.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,166, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.