Popinjay
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈpɒpɪnd͡ʒeɪ/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Popinjay is a noun meaning (now archaic outside heraldry) A parrot.
Meaning
(now archaic outside heraldry) A parrot.
More Meanings
- (archery) A target to shoot at, typically stuffed with feathers or plumage.
- (UK) The green woodpecker, Picus viridis.
- (obsolete) A decorative image of a parrot on a tapestry, cloth etc.
- (dated) A vain, gaudy person; someone who is shallow or superficial.
Example Sentences
[I]nnumerable popingayes of ſundry kindes are found chattering in the groues of thoſe fenny places.
The very quintessence of popinjay vulgarity is reached when nicely is made to do service for well, in this wise: "How do you do?" "Nicely." "How are you?" "Nicely."
Word Forms
- popinjays
Synonyms for popinjay
Depending on context, synonyms include fop, macaroni, peacock, barbermonger, blade, blood.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include archaic, fop, poppinjay, poppingjay, parrot, papingo.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.