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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.

See Examples For:

September carrots can look almost too virtuous at the farmers market: sturdy bunches, feathery green tops, dirt in the creases.

From Salon Aug. 16, 2026

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

Asics’ new Metaspeed Ray model, for instance, weighs in at a feathery 4.55 ounces.

From The Wall Street Journal Apr. 19, 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

“OUCH!” said Harry as what appeared to be a small, gray, feathery tennis ball collided with the side of his head.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling

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