Illustration of ptarmigan
- A summer plumage
- B winter plumage
ptarmigan
noun
ptar·mi·gan
ˈtär-mi-gən 
plural ptarmigan or ptarmigans
: any of various grouses (genus Lagopus) of northern regions with completely feathered feet
Examples of ptarmigan in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The conservation organization works to restore peatlands, replant native Caledonian pine forests, and reintroduce endangered species such as ptarmigans.
—
Jen Murphy,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Apr. 2026
Among the animals were polar bears, walruses, bowhead whales, Atlantic puffins, common eiders, rock ptarmigans, and Atlantic cod.
—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Aug. 2025
But as temperatures rise, the treeline is creeping upward—and shrinking the ptarmigan’s already small habitat in the process.
—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
10 July 2024
He was taken a thousand miles south to a TB sanatorium in Hamilton, Ontario, where the teen boy – used to roaming land and sea to hunt ptarmigan, seals and narwhal – was confined to a bed, not allowed to get up and walk.
—
Melody Schreiber,
NPR,
2 May 2024
See All Example Sentences for ptarmigan
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Jen Murphy,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Apr. 2026
Among the animals were polar bears, walruses, bowhead whales, Atlantic puffins, common eiders, rock ptarmigans, and Atlantic cod.
—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Aug. 2025
But as temperatures rise, the treeline is creeping upward—and shrinking the ptarmigan’s already small habitat in the process.
—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
10 July 2024
He was taken a thousand miles south to a TB sanatorium in Hamilton, Ontario, where the teen boy – used to roaming land and sea to hunt ptarmigan, seals and narwhal – was confined to a bed, not allowed to get up and walk.
—
Melody Schreiber,
NPR,
2 May 2024
See All Example Sentences for ptarmigan
Cite this Entry
“Ptarmigan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ptarmigan. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ptarmigan
noun
ptar·mi·gan
ˈtär-mi-gən
plural ptarmigan or ptarmigans
: any of various grouses of northern regions with completely feathered feet
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