Definition of pheasant
pheasant
orpheasants
1 : any of numerous large often long-tailed and brightly colored Old World gallinaceous birds (Phasianus and related genera of the family Phasianidae) including many raised as ornamental or game birds — compare ring-necked pheasant
2 : any of various birds resembling a pheasant
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Recent Examples of pheasant from the Web
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It can be found in ducks, pheasants and other creatures.
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Tyner was at the San Diego airport last Saturday with his father-in-law and brother-in-law on their way to South Dakota for a three-day pheasant-hunting trip.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pheasant'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of pheasant
Middle English fesaunt, from Anglo-French fesant, faisan, from Latin phasianus, from Greek (ornis) phasianos, from phasianos of the Phasis River, from Phasis, river in Colchis
PHEASANT Defined for English Language Learners
pheasant
playDefinition of pheasant for English Language Learners
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: a large bird that has a long tail and is often hunted for food or sport
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: the meat of the pheasant eaten as food
PHEASANT Defined for Kids
pheasant
playDefinition of pheasant for Students
: a large brightly colored bird with a long tail that is related to the chicken and is sometimes hunted for food or sport
Learn More about pheasant
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See words that rhyme with pheasant Spanish Central: Translation of pheasant Nglish: Translation of pheasant for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pheasant
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