pelage

as in wool
the hairy covering of a mammal especially when fine, soft, and thick color variation in the snow leopard's pelage

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pelage However, multiple studies over the past 50 years have highlighted the distinctions between different types of giraffe based on their pelage patterns, cranial and postcranial morphology, genetics, ecology, and behavior. Grrlscientist, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 Most are taken in spring and fall when their pelage is out of sync with the current weather pattern. John Schandelmeier, Anchorage Daily News, 12 Feb. 2023 Some exhibit a pale gray pelage similar to western coyotes, but others are blond, red, and even black. Popular Science, 12 Mar. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pelage
Noun
  • Natural fabrics like cotton and wool, however, are best left to the pros.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Tailored from a wool mélange fabric in a double-breasted stance, it’s softened by an unpadded shoulder and open patch pockets, lest anyone accuse you of gunning for the corner office.
    Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The 5-foot-10 actor of Training Day and Before Sunset was tasked with channeling a man many said was barely 5 feet tall with waning hair.
    Nick Romano, EW.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Primary bathrooms, where hair and buildup from products like dry shampoo can leave floors a mess, are another high-traffic area of the house that can benefit from regular sweeping.
    Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Underneath, pair the oversized trench coat with the Automet Sweatpants and the Smeng Crewneck T-shirt, a combo that feels like loungewear but looks intentionally minimal once the coat is layered on top.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Unless your stain’s instruction label specifies otherwise, applying several thin coats of stain rather than drenching the surface with stain will yield the best absorption and most even finish.
    Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pelage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pelage. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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