Meaning & use
preen
Last updated
For a bird, to clean and arrange its feathers with its beak, or for a person, to groom oneself with obvious satisfaction or pride.
See it in a sentence
The parrot preened its feathers on the windowsill after the rain stopped.
He preened in front of the mirror before heading out to the party.
A note on using this word
When used for people, it often carries a mildly critical tone, suggesting vanity or self-satisfaction.
Words with a similar meaning
primpgroom
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