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

/ plo̅o̅′mĭj /

1. The covering of feathers on a bird.

Other Words From

• plumaged 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

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

Janney’s former showgirl character populates her mansion with taxidermy birds who reflect the plumage of her old career and because, “she is kind of a prisoner in her birdcage of a house with her marriage.”

From Los Angeles Times

Their black plumage, beady eyes, haunting cry and eager scavenging have earned them a prominent and creepy place in myth and folklore.

From New York Times