preen

Everyday

1. Of a bird: to clean and tidy its feathers with its beak. tree →
2. Of a person (often joking or disapproving): to spend a lot of time making yourself look nice. tree →
3. To feel or show pride in yourself: preen yourself on something. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons about birds, preening keeps feathers clean, waterproof and good for flying. In stories it can make a character seem vain. Phrases: preen its feathers, preen in front of the mirror.

Examples

• The swan preened its white feathers. tree →
• Ducks preen to keep their feathers waterproof. tree →
• My brother preened in front of the mirror before the party. tree →
• The parrot preened itself on its perch. tree →
• She preened herself on winning the prize. tree →
• Stop preening and come and eat! tree →
• He turned sharply, and there, just above him on the branch of a tree, sat a large Parrot, busily preening his feathers. tree →

Note

Regular verb: preened. When said of people it often sounds like a gentle criticism (vain, showing off).