feathering

noun

feath·​er·​ing ˈfet͟h-riŋ How to pronounce feathering (audio)
ˈfe-t͟hər-iŋ
1
: a covering of feathers : plumage
2
: a fringe of hair (as on the legs of a dog) see dog illustration

Examples of feathering in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The powerful level of pigmentation provided healthy doses of color in one swipe without feathering, even on 70-plus-year-old skin. Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 16 Jan. 2024 Furthermore, the feathering motion is mainly how penguins produce such powerful forward propulsion in the water. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 6 July 2023 Optimal amplitude while feathering generated the largest thrust. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 6 July 2023 However, Republicans run the risk of achieving precisely the opposite goal of politically tarring, feathering, and trying to remove the president. Max Thornberry, Washington Examiner, 28 Dec. 2023 Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner A cult-favorite liquid eyeliner that stays in place without smudging, feathering, or running. NYX Butter Gloss A buttery soft lip gloss that imparts a sheer-to-medium coverage, high-shine pigment. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2023 While wispy bangs tend to work well on those with finer hair because the feathering creates volume, an experienced hairstylist can feather the ends of heavier hair to keep the look light and airy. Danielle Blundell, Women's Health, 27 July 2023 Though the attacks were rarely fatal, victims of tarring and feathering were humiliated by being held down, shaved, stripped naked and covered in a boiled sticky substance and feathers. Karen Sieber, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Feb. 2022 Virgin Galactic's development program has endured a series of setbacks, including a catastrophic accident during a test flight in 2014 that left a co-pilot dead and the pilot badly injured after the SpaceShipTwo's feathering system was prematurely deployed, ripping the spacecraft apart. Francesca Street, CNN, 6 Aug. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'feathering.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1721, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of feathering was in 1721

Dictionary Entries Near feathering

Cite this Entry

“Feathering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feathering. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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