pheasant

noun

pheas·​ant ˈfe-zᵊnt 

plural pheasant or pheasants

1

: any of numerous large often long-tailed and brightly colored Old World gallinaceous birds (Phasianus and related genera of the family Phasianidae) including many raised as ornamental or game birds compare ring-necked pheasant

2

: any of various birds resembling a pheasant

Examples of pheasant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

My home state has conducted a Governor’s pheasant season opener hunt for a dozen years as a way to promote hunting and upland habitat conservation. —Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 16 Oct. 2024

The first-ever Minnesota pheasant hunting season started on this day 100 years ago. —Axios Twin Cities, Axios, 16 Oct. 2024

Prada Galleria Bag Speaking of escapism, the Prada Galleria bag with real duck and pheasant feathers is a lesson on the handbag as the star: Maybe style it with a simple jean and T-shirt, making the handbag the fashion statement? —Thomas Waller, WWD, 26 Sep. 2024

So Mary is out on the prowl two weeks later, wearing an amazing hat with pheasant feathers and donkey ears. —Alice Burton, Vulture, 5 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fesaunt, from Anglo-French fesant, faisan, from Latin phasianus, from Greek (ornis) phasianos, from phasianos of the Phasis River, from Phasis, river in Colchis

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pheasant

• ring-necked pheasant

Kids Definition

pheasant

noun

pheas·​ant ˈfez-ᵊnt 

plural pheasant or pheasants

: any of numerous large long-tailed brightly colored birds that are related to the domestic chicken and many of which are raised as ornamental or game birds