plumage

[ploo-mij]

noun

1. the entire feathery covering of a bird.

2. feathers collectively.

plumage

/ ˈpluːmɪdʒ /

noun

1. the layer of feathers covering the body of a bird

plumage

1. The covering of feathers on a bird.

Other Word Forms

• plumaged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of plumage¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Middle French. See plume, -age

Word History and Origins

Origin of plumage¹

C15: from Old French, from plume feather, from Latin plūma down

Example Sentences

What some of these drably plumaged species lack in color and plumage contrast, they make up for in personality.

From Salon

Yet the malevolent flightless bird with a chip on his plumage isn’t the sole antagonist of “Vengeance Most Fowl.”

From Los Angeles Times

Everybody can just get out there and watch them and try to appreciate the variation of their plumage.

From Salon

As well as their bright blue and yellow plumage, they have a very long tail and a very loud call, making them distinguishable from London's indigenous birdlife.

From BBC

The male peacocks have the extravagant plumage to attract mates, while the females are a plainer colour.

From BBC