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fledged

American  
[flejd] / flɛdʒd /

adjective

  1. having the plumage or feathers necessary for flight.

  2. having the characteristics of maturity.


Etymology

Origin of fledged

First recorded in 1570–80; fledge + -ed 2

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.

As a recently fledged bird hops around on the ground, unfamiliar choughs swoop down and gently herd it away to join them—that’s how desperate these birds are for helpers.

From Slate • May 10, 2026

Thai Randolph spent the best part of seven years building comedian Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat from an upstart production studio into a fully fledged media company.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Australia was a British colony for more than 100 years and gained de facto independence in 1901, but has never become a fully fledged republic.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

Rory's post would allow him to observe the culture within the station up close, without taking on the duties of a fully fledged police officer.

From BBC • Oct. 1, 2025

Work will stop on the bridge on Route 28 until the young peregrine falcons are fledged.

From "Frightful's Mountain" by Jean Craighead George

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