feathery

American  

[feth-uh-ree] / ˈfɛð ə ri /

adjective

1. clothed or covered with feathers.

2. resembling feathers; light; airy; unsubstantial.

   feathery clouds.

---

Other Word Forms

• featheriness noun

Etymology

Origin of feathery

First recorded in 1570–80; feather + -y ¹

Explanation

Things that are soft, light, and downy can be described as feathery. After you brush your dog, you'll find his feathery fur all over the house. Feathery things, from your sister's feathery hairdo to the feathery branches of the willow tree in your yard, look or feel like feathers. You can use this adjective for anything that resembles the light, fluffy down of a baby bird or the graceful plumage of a swan. Feathery comes from feather and its root meaning "to fly."

Example Sentences

The combination of his relentless service game and feathery drop shots made Djokovic feel every day of their 16-year age gap.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 1, 2026

The team found eight references to this thorny species, known as Vachellia leucophloea, which has feathery leaves, pale yellow bark, and white flowers.

From Science Daily • Feb. 1, 2026

After reaching for the stars in his first show for Chanel, new chief designer Matthieu Blazy took a feathery flight of fancy for his debut Haute Couture collection inspired by birds and nature on Tuesday.

From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026

My friend goes for Netflix’s original seasonal blockbuster, “Fireplace For Your Home,” which shows nothing but a burning wonder slowly fading to glowing coals and feathery ash.

From Salon • Dec. 18, 2025

I rub her feathery head one more time and crawl back into my cell.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera

Related Words

• feathered
• fluffy