plumage

noun

plum·​age ˈplü-mij How to pronounce plumage (audio)
: the feathers of a bird
plumaged adjective

Examples of plumage in a Sentence

The peacock has colorful plumage.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Colorful songbirds known as honeycreepers were once abundant in Hawaii, filling the air with their chipper songs and vibrant plumage. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 June 2025 The massive room has a wood-burning fireplace adorned with the Jordan family crest, which features a pheasant in a nod to the family’s business of raising birds for plumage to sell in San Francisco’s garment district. David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 7 June 2025 Budding ornithologists don’t need a suitcase full of birdwatching equipment — a trusty birding guide and heaps of patience are often the only tools required to identify plumage, eggs or sounds. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 12 May 2025 Sure, its plumage may not be as big or ostentatious as the peacock’s – though, to be fair, ostentatiousness is an important quality as these feathers have evolved to capture the attention of potential mates. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for plumage

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Old French, from plume feather — more at plume

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of plumage was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plumage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plumage. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

plumage

noun
plum·​age ˈplü-mij How to pronounce plumage (audio)
: the feathers of a bird

More from Merriam-Webster on plumage

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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