love-bird

A love-bird perches on a branch, preening its feathers.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small parrot: "love-bird" refers to any of several small, usually brightly colored parrots of the genus Agapornis, native to Africa and Madagascar, known for forming strong pair bonds.
   • A romantic couple (informal): "love-bird" is often used figuratively to describe two people who are clearly in love with each other, especially when they are affectionate in public.

Usage Examples

• Noun (literal):

  • The pet store had a cage full of love-birds chirping happily. (Small parrots known for their affectionate behavior.)
  • She bought a pair of love-birds for her grandmother's aviary. (A pair of the parrot species.)

• Noun (figurative, informal):

  • Look at those two love-birds holding hands on the bench. (A couple showing romantic affection.)
  • The love-birds couldn't stop whispering to each other during dinner. (A couple deeply absorbed in each other.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be a love-bird": to be part of a devoted romantic couple.

  • They have been love-birds since college, always together. (They are a very affectionate and committed pair.)

• "love-bird behavior": actions that show romantic attachment, like cuddling or constant attention.

  • Their love-bird behavior made everyone smile at the wedding. (Their constant affectionate gestures.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lovebird (n, alternative spelling): same as "love-bird."

  • The lovebird perched on its mate's shoulder. (The small parrot.)

• Lovebirds (n, plural): used for both literal parrots and romantic couples.

  • The lovebirds in the cage preened each other's feathers. (The parrot pair.)
  • The lovebirds walked arm in arm through the park. (The romantic couple.)

Synonyms

• Parrotlet: a small parrot similar to a love-bird.
• Soulmates: a romantic couple perfectly suited for each other (figurative sense only).
• Sweethearts: a couple in love (figurative sense only).

Related Idioms

• A pair of love-birds: an affectionate couple.

  • They are such a pair of love-birds, always finishing each other's sentences. (A very close romantic duo.)

• Love-birds and doves: a poetic phrase for affectionate couples.

  • The garden was full of love-birds and doves, symbolizing peace and romance. (Literal and figurative meaning combined.)