plural grooms
1
: a man who has just married or is about to be married
called also bridegroom
2
: a person who takes care of horses
grooms; groomed; grooming
1
: to clean and care for (an animal)
The horses are being groomed for the competition.
The cat was grooming itself in the corner. [=the cat was cleaning itself by licking its fur]
2
a
: to make (someone) neat and attractive
She spent hours grooming herself.
She always seems to be perfectly groomed and neatly dressed.
b
: to make (something) neat, smooth, or attractive
a carefully groomed lawn
perfectly groomed ski slopes
3
: to prepare (someone) for a particular job or position
He is being groomed to take over the company.
Cite this Entry
“Groom.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/groom. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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