fledge

verb

ˈflej 

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

fledge an arrow

Examples of fledge in a Sentence

The young birds haven't yet fledged.

Recent Examples on the Web

Once the young birds have fledged and the nest has been abandoned, it can usually be removed safely. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 8 June 2026

One hatchling did not survive, but three successfully fledged. — Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2026

Hutch wasn't far behind Maz, who fledged on Monday, and Sid, who fledged on June 19. — Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 25 June 2026

The two haven't yet fledged, or taken their first flight, meaning the powerful noise from a fireworks display could scare off their parents, threatening the eaglets' well-being. — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 26 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for fledge

• dredge
• edge
• hedge
• ledge
• pledge
• sedge
• sledge
• wedge
• allege
• straightedge

Kids Definition

fledge

verb

ˈflej 

fledged; fledging

1

: to develop the feathers necessary for flying

also : to leave the nest after developing such feathers

2

: to provide with feathers

fledge an arrow