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

2 of 2

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

Flocks of sparrows and parrots chirp and squawk in the palms overhead. —Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 9 June 2024

Ask to see the parrots and parakeets that live on the property. —Ruth C. White, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2023

Verb

In typical conversations about politics, people often begin simply by parroting familiar talking points from their political tribe. —Alfredo Sosa, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 May 2024

Or is the old guy in the golf cart supposed to be a square, privileged nitwit parroting MAGA nonsense? —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 2 May 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