preen
1 ENTRIES FOUND:
preens;
preened;
preening
preens;
preened;
preening
Britannica Dictionary definition of PREEN
1
of a bird
:
to use the beak to clean and arrange feathers
[+ object]
-
The bird was preening its feathers. = The bird was preening itself.
[no object]
-
The bird was preening.
2
:
to make (yourself) neat and tidy
[+ object]
-
She stood preening herself in front of the mirror.
[no object]
-
She stood preening in front of the mirror.
3
disapproving
:
to act in a way that shows you are very proud about something or pleased with yourself
[no object]
-
The award-winners were preening backstage.
[+ object]
-
They are preening themselves on their success.
