activity leading to skilled behavior
"The extensive grooming session helped the young chimpanzee develop the dexterity needed to extract insects from termite mounds."
Care for one's personal appearance, hygiene, and clothing.
"He spent twenty minutes on his morning grooming routine to ensure he looked sharp before the interview."
In plain English: Grooming is the act of preparing someone, usually for an event or job, by getting their appearance neat and tidy.
"She spends her mornings on personal grooming before going to work."
Usage: Grooming refers to the daily care of your hair, skin, teeth, and clothes rather than professional animal training or criminal manipulation schemes. Use this term when describing routine self-maintenance habits like brushing your teeth or choosing an outfit for work.
present participle of groom
"The manager is grooming several young employees to take over his role next year."
In plain English: Grooming is when someone builds trust with you to get them what they want from you, often by pretending to be your friend or mentor.
"She spends twenty minutes every morning grooming her teeth before work."