parrot

1 of 2

noun

par·​rot ˈper-ət 

ˈpa-rət

1

: any of numerous widely distributed tropical birds (order Psittaciformes and especially family Psittacidae) that are often crested and brightly colored, have a distinctive stout hooked bill and zygodactyl feet, and include some excellent mimics

2

: a person who sedulously echoes another's words

parrot adjective

parrot

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verb

parroted; parroting; parrots

transitive verb

: to repeat by rote

Synonyms

Verb

• ditto
• echo
• quote
• reecho
• repeat

Examples of parrot in a Sentence

Verb

Some of the students were just parroting what the teacher said.

the toddler parroted everything her father said, often to the latter's embarrassment

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But two recent separate studies about parrots and finches have provided vital insight into this mystery. —Simon Griffith, JSTOR Daily, 5 Dec. 2024

Meet Chewy Claus, fulfilling wishes for all pets from dogs and cats to parrots and birds. —Saman Shafiq, The Courier-Journal, 2 Dec. 2024

Verb

During a later appearance on stage at the protest, Clarkson argued that the BBC was parroting government rhetoric. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024

The fan used a homophobic slur when referring to Travis and his romance with Taylor Swift, only for Jason to parrot the slur and slam the man’s phone to the ground. —Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 8 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

probably modification of Middle French perroquet

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1596, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing parrot

• parrot-fashion
• parrot fever
• parrot fish

Kids Definition

parrot

1 of 2 noun

par·​rot ˈpar-ət 

1

: any of numerous usually brightly colored tropical birds marked by a strong hooked bill, by toes arranged in pairs with two in front and two behind, and often by the ability to mimic speech

2

: a person who repeats the words of others without understanding what they mean

parrot

2 of 2 verb

: to repeat words like a parrot