1. to clean and arrange feathers with the beak
Usage: used of birds
2. to dress or groom oneself carefully
3. to show pride or satisfaction in oneself
Usage: often followed by ‘oneself’

Examples

• The swan preened its white feathers by the lake.
• Birds spend hours preening to keep their plumage clean.
• She preened in front of the mirror before the party.
• He preened his hair with gel every morning.
• The actor preened himself after receiving the award.
• She couldn’t help but preen over her perfect test score.
• The peacock preened proudly, displaying its colorful tail.