peafowl

[ pee-foul ]

noun

, plural pea·fowls, (especially collectively) pea·fowl.

1. any of several gallinaceous birds of the genera Pavo, of India, Sri Lanka, southeastern Asia, and the East Indies, and Afropavo, of Africa.

peafowl

/ ˈpiːˌfaʊl /

noun

1. either of two large pheasants, Pavo cristatus ( blue peafowl ) of India and Ceylon and P. muticus ( green peafowl ) of SE Asia. The males (peacocks) have a characteristic bright plumage See peacock
2. a rare closely related African species, Afropavo congensis ( Congo peafowl ), both sexes of which are brightly coloured

Word History and Origins

Origin of peafowl¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; pea ( peacock ) + fowl

Example Sentences

Wild peafowl can live as long as 25 years.

From BBC

Peacocks in Pittencrieff Park is staffed by volunteers and funded by public donations, and Suzi now has the grand job title of "lead peafowl warden".

From BBC

Currently there are 21 peafowl - a term that encompasses both male and female birds - including eight peachicks, four of which hatched earlier this month.

From BBC

Shreyovi spotted the two Indian peafowl while walking in the forest with her parents.

From BBC

Ms. Shields was told he was rescued from other peafowl, who can turn aggressive toward their old, pecking them to death.

From New York Times