Definition of pelagenext
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

Relevance

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 As temperatures drop and autumn gives way to the seemingly ceaseless snows of winter, some animals in northerly climes exchange their pelage or plumage of summer drab for the purest white. Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026 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
  • On day one of London Fashion Week, H&M stepped directly into that debate (as well as further into the wool debate, when Peta protestors crashed the show).
    Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Designed with an elegant boat neckline and an ultra-soft blend of wool and modal, this pick looks and feels a lot more luxe than your average long-sleeve tee.
    Kate Boswell, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • One can only imagine the quick work happening backstage to get her hair coiffed amid costume changes.
    Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Crosby, with a few more white hairs than last season, thought about the comment for a second before shrugging his shoulders and smiling.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Brush lint, hair and surface debris from coats, wool and structured pieces.
    Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The teen paired a white button-up shirt with baggy dark-wash jeans, black ballet slippers, a red purse, and a long brown coat.
    Christina Perrier, InStyle, 17 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pelage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pelage. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on pelage

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!