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

The Writers Guild is reminding members that writing for verticals or micro-dramas — the latest trend that is providing a lifetime to fledging actors and entry-level scribes — is covered by the minimum basic agreement (MBA). —Lynette Rice, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025

Featuring a cast of fledging performers who became household names — John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd and the list goes on — the show gradually built its reputation. —Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2025

Gizmo fledged June 7 but didn’t leave the nest right away. —Helena Wegner, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2025

Both fledging broadband offers debut as stand-alone services on August 21, with ESPN seeking $29.99 a month and Fox charging $19.99 per month. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 11 Aug. 2025

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