partridge

noun

par·​tridge ˈpär-trij 

dialectal ˈpa-trij

plural partridge or partridges

1

: any of various typically medium-sized stout-bodied Old World gallinaceous birds (Perdix, Alectoris, and related genera) with variegated plumage that are often hunted as game

2

: any of various related birds (such as the American ruffed grouse or bobwhite) resembling the Old World partridges in size, habits, or value as game

Illustration of partridge

• partridge 1

Examples of partridge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Nearby there’s also pheasant, partridge, and clay pigeon shooting, along with deer stalking. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2026

The 25-acre property, which also includes a saltwater pool and a wood sauna, regularly attracts wild boar, rabbits, foxes, and partridges. —Austin Bush, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2026

Between 2010 and 2020, red-legged partridge populations have likely declined by as much as 40-45%, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, the organization that determines whether a species is endangered. —Maggie Koerth, CNN Money, 25 Dec. 2025

The partridge gets exposed on the blitz. —Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English partrich, modification of Anglo-French perdriz, alteration of Old French perdix, from Latin perdic-, perdix, from Greek perdik-, perdix

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for partridge

• cartridge

Kids Definition

partridge

noun

par·​tridge ˈpär-trij 

plural partridge or partridges

: any of several plump Old World birds related to the common chicken and often hunted as game

also : any of various North American birds (as a bobwhite or ruffed grouse) that are related to and resemble partridges of the Old World