preen

[priːn]

preen Definition

• 1. (of a bird) straighten and clean its feathers with its beak
• 2. devote effort to making oneself look attractive and then admire one's appearance

Using preen: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "preen" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The bird preened its feathers after the rain.

• Example

  She spent hours preening herself in front of the mirror before the party.

• Example

  He preened his mustache while waiting for his date.

preen Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for preen

• groom
• primp
• clean
• neaten
• tidy up

Antonyms for preen

• dishevel
• mess up

Phrases with preen

• preen oneself on something

  to take pride in or boast about something that one has done or achieved

  Example

  He always preens himself on his cooking skills.

• preen and strut

  to show off or behave arrogantly, often in an irritating way

  Example

  He preened and strutted around the office after getting the promotion.

• preen one's feathers

  to congratulate oneself or bask in one's own achievements

  Example

  She was preening her feathers after acing the exam.

Origins of preen

from Middle English 'prenen', meaning 'trim feathers'

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Summary: preen in Brief

'Preen' [priːn] is a verb that refers to the act of birds cleaning their feathers with their beaks or humans grooming themselves to look attractive. It can also mean taking pride in one's achievements, as in 'He always preens himself on his cooking skills.' Synonyms include 'groom,' 'primp,' and 'tidy up,' while antonyms include 'dishevel' and 'mess up.'