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Synonyms

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

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."

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Vocabulary lists containing feathery

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

DeChambeau notably found that to his cost when a feathery touch from the back of the 11th green raced his ball the 30 feet to the pin - and another 57 feet past it.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

McManus suggested that people’s love for their furry, feathery or scaly companions transcends party lines.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 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

One day Etienne sits with Marie-Laure and reads to her in his feathery voice; the next he suffers from what he calls a headache and sequesters himself inside his study behind a locked door.

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr

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