parrot

1 of 2

noun

par·​rot ˈper-ət How to pronounce parrot (audio)
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

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
The couples shared a landlord, a bachelor and fitness buff named Jocko who lived alone with his parrot, Pontius Pilate. Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025 While watching parrot fish glide by the glass of the 250,000-gallon saltwater reef tank the Seaquarium has maintained for years, Martin said his team plans to build the kind of aquarium complex that will be interesting enough to justify visitors buying tickets just to see it. Pedro Portal, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
Signing that document would make us stenographers parroting press releases, not watchdogs holding government officials accountable. Tom Bowman, NPR, 14 Oct. 2025 While Hamas’ useful idiots here in the United States and elsewhere have parroted anti-Israel propaganda while ignoring the crimes of Hamas, the Palestinian people have suffered the consequences of Hamas’ insistence on perpetuating the war. The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 12 Oct. 2025 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 21 Oct. 2025.

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
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