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

Birders learn to identify species through careful observation of field marks – for example, a bird’s unique plumage, size and shape – as well as a bird’s behaviors, vocalizations and surrounding habitat. — The Conversation, Fortune, 27 July 2026

The plumage, meanwhile, is formed by stresses in the ice which create deep crevasses, depicted as sharp green lines, in the surrounding landscape. — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 24 July 2026

Melting suet turns rancid fast and creates a mess of bird plumage. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 July 2026

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

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