parakeet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2neutral
Quick answer
What does “parakeet” mean?
A small to medium-sized, often long-tailed and brightly coloured parrot, typically with a slender build.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small to medium-sized, often long-tailed and brightly coloured parrot, typically with a slender build.
Any of numerous small, slender parrots with long, tapering tails, especially those of the genera Psittacula, Melopsittacus, and Aratinga. Also used informally for any small parrot.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. 'Budgerigar' is slightly more formal in both varieties; 'budgie' is the common colloquial term, especially in UK English.
Connotations
Connotes a popular, often noisy pet bird. In the UK, strongly associated with the common budgerigar. In the US, may also refer to larger, more vividly coloured species like the ring-necked or monk parakeet.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, though the specific species referred to in casual conversation may differ.
Grammar
How to Use “parakeet” in a Sentence
[owner] has a parakeet[the] parakeet [verbs][adjective] parakeetVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “parakeet” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- My grandmother's budgerigar, a blue parakeet, could whistle several tunes.
- A flock of ring-necked parakeets has become a common sight in London's parks.
American English
- We bought a large cage for our new green-cheeked parakeet.
- The monk parakeets in that Brooklyn neighbourhood build huge communal nests.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in pet trade contexts (e.g., 'parakeet breeder', 'parakeet supplies').
Academic
Used in ornithology and zoology texts, though more precise Latin names are preferred.
Everyday
Common when discussing pets, birds, or wildlife sightings.
Technical
Not a precise taxonomic term; used generally in aviculture and pet care guides.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “parakeet”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “parakeet”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “parakeet”
- Misspelling as 'parrakeet' or 'parroket'.
- Using 'parrot' and 'parakeet' as complete synonyms (a parakeet is a type of parrot).
- Incorrect plural: 'parakeets' (not 'parakeet').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A parakeet is a type of parrot. The term generally refers to smaller, slender parrots with long tail feathers, while 'parrot' is the broader category including large birds like macaws and cockatoos.
Yes, particularly budgerigars (budgies) are often recommended as first birds due to their relatively small size, social nature, and capacity to learn sounds and tricks with patience.
Lifespan varies by species. Common pet budgerigars typically live 5-10 years, though with excellent care they can reach 15 years. Some larger parakeet species may live longer.
Some species, especially male budgerigars, are excellent mimics and can learn a large vocabulary of words and phrases. They do not 'talk' with understanding but can mimic sounds very accurately.
A small to medium-sized, often long-tailed and brightly coloured parrot, typically with a slender build.
Parakeet is usually neutral in register.
Parakeet: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpærəkiːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpærəkiːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Chatter like a parakeet (to talk incessantly)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PARAsol with a colourful KEET (a small bird) sitting on it. The KEET under the PARAsol is a PARAKEET.
Conceptual Metaphor
Chatter/liveliness (e.g., 'The office was a cage of parakeets after the news broke.')
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is a specific type of parakeet?