Parrot
/ˈpær.ət/noun
A bird of the order Psittaciformes, known for its curved beak, zygodactyl feet, and ability to mimic sounds.
Did you know?“Parrot” likely began as a diminutive personal name in French—possibly from Pierre or Perrot—before being transferred to the bird, a reminder that words can migrate like living charms.
Etymological Timeline
Late Middle Ages
Old French
perrot / pierrot
“a diminutive personal name, often from Pierre (Peter)”
14th Century
Middle English
parrot
“a parrot; originally a bird name borrowed from French”
Early Modern English
English
parrot
“a talking bird, especially one that mimics human speech”
Modern English
English
parrot
“any of various brightly colored tropical birds known for imitation and intelligence”