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
  • And good wool creates great sweaters.
    Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Craftsmanship takes precedence in these moisture-wicking and super resilient slippers, made from all-natural wool sourced from small farms in Kyrgyzstan.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • At least setting up for the party gives the crew something else to do besides dressing the women’s wounds and blow-drying their hair.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Yet, asked specifically about the fine hairs separating the top three undefeated teams in this first ranking, Mack Rhoades, the committee chair and athletic director at Baylor, sounded like a man torn between numbers and gut feelings.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The top coat gave it an extra gel-like finish.
    Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The ready-to-wear collection includes coats, tailoring and knitwear, shirts, dresses and custom prints.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pelage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pelage. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

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