fledge

[ flej ]

/ flɛdʒ /

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verb (used with object), fledged, fledg·ing.

to bring up (a young bird) until it is able to fly.

to furnish with or as if with feathers or plumage.

to provide (an arrow) with feathers.

verb (used without object), fledged, fledg·ing.

(of a young bird) to acquire the feathers necessary for flight.

adjective

Archaic. (of young birds) able to fly.

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Origin of fledge

1350–1400; Middle English flegge (fully-)fledged, Old English *flecge, as variant of -flycge; cognate with Old High German flucki,Middle Low German vlügge (>German flügge); akin to fly²

OTHER WORDS FROM fledge

fledgeless, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use fledge in a sentence

At the time, I had no idea that this online class, one of Airbnb’s fledging new “Experiences” offerings, was part of Catherine Powell’s domain—or who she was.
Meet the woman who took Airbnb’s ‘experiences’ online—in just 2 weeks|Kristen Bellstrom|February 2, 2021|Fortune
Although the simulation only mapped out 160 seconds of the star’s life, it illuminated the role of an underappreciated player that helps stalled shock waves turn into fully fledged explosions.
Secret Ingredient Found to Power Supernovas|Thomas Lewton|January 21, 2021|Quanta Magazine
The wide range of choices in this product category ensure that there’s an option out there for every budget and need, from compact single-bar systems to fully-fledged surround sound setups.
Best soundbar: immersive sound for your home entertainment center|PopSci Commerce Team|December 18, 2020|Popular-Science
Paying homage to the beloved grape of the Champagne region, the Macaris planted Pinot Meunier on their North Fork vineyard back in the 1990s, typically blending it into a rosé or making it a fully fledged red wine.
The best bottles for wine lovers this year|Rachel King|November 6, 2020|Fortune

But come June, the fledging African-American cable network Aspire wants you to have choices.
Magic Johnson’s Network Set to Launch Talk Show|Allison Samuels|May 11, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Block was Wisconsin state director for the fledging Americans for Prosperity, a conservative group funded by the Koch brothers.
The Man in Cain's Smoking Video|David A. Graham|October 25, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Now, that hubris might lead to the dismantling of her fledging cartel, as the Argentine police claim to be hot on her tracks.
Lingerie Drug Lord|Constantino Diaz-Duran|February 25, 2010|DAILY BEAST
In fledging arrows Ishi used eagle, buzzard, hawk or flicker feathers.
Hunting with the Bow and Arrow|Saxton Pope
This is made by constructing the usual blunt screw-headed shaft and fledging it with wide uncut feathers.
Hunting with the Bow and Arrow|Saxton Pope
He was callow all over—like a canary that had not finished fledging itself.
The Works of Rudyard Kipling: One Volume Edition|Rudyard Kipling
If the nest was started on June 20, then renesting took place within 15 hours after fledging.
Natural History of the Bell Vireo, Vireo bellii Audubon|Jon C. Barlow
Renesting after desertion or successful fledging occurs within two to thirty-six hours.
Natural History of the Bell Vireo, Vireo bellii Audubon|Jon C. Barlow

British Dictionary definitions for fledge

fledge

/ (flɛdʒ) /

verb

(tr) to feed and care for (a young bird) until it is able to fly

Also called: fletch (tr) to fit (something, esp an arrow) with a feather or feathers

(intr) (of a young bird) to grow feathers

(tr) to cover or adorn with or as if with feathers

Word Origin for fledge

Old English -flycge, as in unflycge unfledged; related to Old High German flucki able to fly; see fly 1

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012