ruffed grouse

noun

: a grouse (Bonasa umbellus) of U.S. and Canadian forests of which the male erects a ruff of black feathers and fans out a broad black-banded tail during breeding displays

Examples of ruffed grouse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The University of Minnesota’s Gordon Gullion, America’s foremost ruffed grouse expert, has been studying grouse habits and habitat in the Cloquet (Minnesota) study area for almost 30 years. — Tom Huggler, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026

Specialized techniques like a snapshot for ruffed grouse in thick cover is ineffective on a covey rise. — Tom Keer, Field & Stream, 2 June 2020

Under the proposal, the Horicon refuge would be open to hunting for woodcock, moorhen, coyote, ruffed grouse, opossum, raccoon, fox, skunk, bobcat, snowshoe hare and black bear on acres already open to other hunting. — Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ruffed grouse

• boardinghouse
• charterhouse
• clearinghouse
• coffeehouse
• customhouse
• firehouse
• meetinghouse
• motherhouse
• packinghouse
• pilothouse
• powerhouse
• slaughterhouse

Kids Definition

ruffed grouse

noun

: a grouse of the U.S. and Canada with the male having tufts of shiny black feathers around the neck