sage grouse

noun

: either of two large grouses (Centrocercus urophasianus and C. minimus) of the dry sagebrush plains of western North America that have mottled gray and buff plumage above with a contrasting black belly

Examples of sage grouse in a Sentence

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The plan was lauded by conservationists for striking a balance between habitat protections for pronghorn antelope, sage grouse, elk, and mule deer while still allowing significant fossil-fuel and renewable-energy developments. Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025 The department translocated 205 sage grouse — 60 males, 84 females and 61 chicks — during the four-year effort. Brad Dokken, Twin Cities, 26 July 2025 Colorado leaders applauded the approval of both the big game and sage grouse plans when they were finalized last year. Elise Schmelzer, The Denver Post, 12 Mar. 2025 The previous Trump administration also attempted to undo protection for the sage grouse keystone species, largely enabling oil and gas interests that had long opposed the extent of the grouse conservation efforts. May Wang, JSTOR Daily, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sage grouse

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sage grouse was in 1876

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Cite this Entry

“Sage grouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sage%20grouse. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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