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.
Recent Examples of fledge from the Web
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The parents accepted the new accommodations, continued feeding and protecting the chicks, and seem well on their way to fledging two green herons in a month or so.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fledge'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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
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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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