parrot

1 of 2

noun

par·​rot ˈper-ət How to pronounce parrot (audio)
ˈpa-rət
Synonyms of parrotnext
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
That’s where the flightless parrot lives, which has made its survival complicated. Charlotte Graham-McLay, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026 Quadrupling the population over the past three decades has required their relocation to three remote, predator-free offshore islands and the micromanaging of the parrots’ every romantic entanglement. ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
In mid-2025, when mainstream analyst firms were still parroting uncritical AI hype before investor sentiment turned cold in December, the number of US AI users who regularly paid for the privilege stood at a whopping 3 percent. Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 25 Feb. 2026 Smelly parrots the size of small cats The kakapo is a majestic creature that can live for 60 to 80 years. Charlotte Graham-McLay, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for parrot

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of parrot was circa 1525

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Parrot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parrot. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

parrot

1 of 2 noun
par·​rot ˈpar-ət How to pronounce parrot (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on parrot

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster