plumage

noun

plum·​age ˈplü-mij 

: the feathers of a bird

plumaged

ˈplü-mijd 

adjective

Examples of plumage in a Sentence

The peacock has colorful plumage.

Recent Examples on the Web

Turkey tail grows on dead logs and tree stumps in overlapping layers that resemble a wild bird’s plumage. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026

According to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, their snowy feathers are the result of a rare genetic condition called leucism, which reduces pigmentation in the plumage while leaving the birds with their normal eye color. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026

Charles Darwin also proposed that intersexual selection involved females evaluating and choosing males with whom to mate based on specific traits, such as a colorful peacock plumage. — Rachel Brodsky, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2026

Also, with that plumage, literally wears its heart on its chest. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 16 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Old French, from plume feather — more at plume

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing plumage

• eclipse plumage

Kids Definition

plumage

noun

plum·​age ˈplü-mij 

: the feathers of a bird