Definition

Noun: 1. A small, brightly colored parrot (genus Agapornis) native to Africa, known for forming strong, affectionate pair bonds with a mate. They are often kept as companion birds. 2. A small, slender parrot (genus Melopsittacus), commonly known as a budgerigar or budgie, native to Australia. In the wild, it is typically light green with black and yellow markings, but captive breeding has produced many color varieties. 3. (Informal) A person who is openly and affectionately in love, often used in the plural form "lovebirds" to refer to a couple.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Bird):
  • She keeps a pair of peach-faced lovebirds in a large cage.
  • The lovebirds sat preening each other's feathers.
• Noun (Person):
  • Look at the two lovebirds holding hands over there.
  • They've been lovebirds since high school.

Advanced Usage

• "A pair of lovebirds": This phrase can refer literally to two of the birds or figuratively to a romantic couple.
  • The aviary has a new pair of lovebirds. (Literal)
  • The restaurant was full of pairs of lovebirds on Valentine's Day. (Figurative)

Variants and Related Words

• Lovey-dovey (adj., informal): Excessively affectionate or sentimental, often used to describe behavior.
  • They're being very lovey-dovey in public.

Synonyms

• Budgerigar/Budgie (specifically for the Australian species).
• Affectionate couple (for the informal meaning).
• Sweethearts (for the informal meaning).

Related Idioms

• (To be) like lovebirds: To behave in a very affectionate, inseparable manner, typical of a romantic couple.
  • Ever since they started dating, they've been like lovebirds.

Noun

1. small African parrot noted for showing affection for their mates
2. small Australian parakeet usually light green with black and yellow markings in the wild but bred in many colors