partridge

noun

par·​tridge ˈpär-trij 

dialectal ˈpa-trij

plural partridge or partridges

1

: any of various typically medium-sized stout-bodied Old World gallinaceous birds (Perdix, Alectoris, and related genera) with variegated plumage that are often hunted as game

2

: any of various related birds (such as the American ruffed grouse or bobwhite) resembling the Old World partridges in size, habits, or value as game

Illustration of partridge

• partridge 1

Examples of partridge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But what happens when the season shifts, when the cloying good cheer of—groan—the holiday season comes with its candy stripes and jingle bells and partridges in pear trees? — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 30 Oct. 2026

Forest grouse season opens around September 1, partridge and quail two or three weeks later. — Ron Spomer, Outdoor Life, 19 Aug. 2026

That is much worse than calling birds, French hens, turtle doves and partridges and would certainly make for a terrible Christmas song. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

The team that has looked mostly hapless at the plate the last two months unloaded eight singles, seven home runs, four doubles, two walks and, on Christmas In July Night at Progressive Field, a partridge in a pear tree. — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English partrich, modification of Anglo-French perdriz, alteration of Old French perdix, from Latin perdic-, perdix, from Greek perdik-, perdix

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for partridge

• cartridge

Kids Definition

partridge

noun

par·​tridge ˈpär-trij 

plural partridge or partridges

: any of several plump Old World birds related to the common chicken and often hunted as game

also : any of various North American birds (as a bobwhite or ruffed grouse) that are related to and resemble partridges of the Old World