parrot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1 (Intermediate)Neutral. Common in both informal (pet discussions) and semi-formal (zoology, figurative criticism) contexts.
Quick answer
What does “parrot” mean?
A brightly coloured tropical bird with a strong curved beak, able to mimic human speech and often kept as a pet.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A brightly coloured tropical bird with a strong curved beak, able to mimic human speech and often kept as a pet.
A person who repeats or imitates words or ideas without understanding them.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The verb 'to parrot' is slightly more common in British critical or educational contexts.
Connotations
Similar in both. The bird connotes vibrancy, mimicry, and sometimes captivity. The verb connotes unthinking repetition.
Frequency
Comparably frequent. Slightly higher frequency as a noun in AmE due to 'parrot' as a common pet name.
Grammar
How to Use “parrot” in a Sentence
to parrot somethingto parrot someoneto parrot backVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “parrot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The student simply parroted the textbook definitions in the exam.
- He parrots every opinion he hears on the telly.
American English
- Politicians often just parrot their party's talking points.
- Stop parroting what I say and think for yourself.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; use 'parrot-fashion') The children recited the poem parrot-fashion.
American English
- (Not standard; use 'by rote') He learned the lines by rote, reciting them parrot-like.
adjective
British English
- (Not standard; use 'parrot-like') His parrot-like repetition was annoying.
- They lived in a parrot-filled aviary.
American English
- (Not standard; use 'parrot-like') Her parrot-fashion memorization didn't help her understand.
- The parrot-themed decor was colourful.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly used critically: 'He just parrots the CEO's talking points.'
Academic
Used in biology/zoology. The verb is used in critical discourse analysis or pedagogy to describe unreflective learning.
Everyday
Common for discussing pets or criticizing thoughtless repetition.
Technical
Ornithology: refers to birds of the order Psittaciformes.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “parrot”
- Using 'parrot' as a verb for positive imitation (it's negative). Incorrect: 'She parroted the technique perfectly.' Correct: 'She mastered the technique.'
- Pronouncing the 't' silently (it is pronounced).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun for the bird, it is neutral. As a verb ('to parrot'), it is almost always negative, implying a lack of original thought.
Typically, it's for words or ideas. For mindless imitation of actions, 'ape' or 'copy' is more common.
'Parrot' specifically means to repeat words/ideas exactly. 'Mimic' has a broader scope, covering sounds, speech, mannerisms, and can be neutral or positive (e.g., a talented mimic).
It's a British informal idiom, primarily used in sports/football contexts to mean very disappointed. It's somewhat dated and clichéd.
A brightly coloured tropical bird with a strong curved beak, able to mimic human speech and often kept as a pet.
Parrot is usually neutral. common in both informal (pet discussions) and semi-formal (zoology, figurative criticism) contexts. in register.
Parrot: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpærət/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpærət/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sick as a parrot (BrE, informal = very disappointed)”
- “parrot fashion (to learn/repeat by rote, without understanding)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Picture a PARROT on a ROTating perch, endlessly repeating the same words.
Conceptual Metaphor
MIND IS A RECORDER / UNDERSTANDING IS DIGESTION (vs. parroting as undigested repetition).
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase describes learning something by repetition without understanding?