Definition of fledge
fledged
;fledging
intransitive verb
of a young bird : to acquire the feathers necessary for flight or independent activity; also : to leave the nest after acquiring such feathers
transitive verb
1 : to rear until ready for flight or independent activity
2 : to cover with or as if with feathers or down
3 : to furnish (something) with feathers feather an arrow
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Examples of fledge in a sentence
The young birds haven't yet fledged.
Origin and Etymology of fledge
fledge capable of flying, from Middle English flegge, from Old English -flycge; akin to Old High German flucki capable of flying, Old English flēogan to fly — more at fly
First Known Use: 1566
FLEDGE Defined for English Language Learners
fledge
playDefinition of fledge for English Language Learners
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of a bird : to develop the feathers necessary for flying
Learn More about fledge
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See words that rhyme with fledge Nglish: Translation of fledge for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of fledge for Arabic speakers
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