peafowl

[pee-foul]

noun

plural

peafowls ,

plural

peafowl .

1. any of several gallinaceous birds of the genera Pavo, of India, Sri Lanka, southeastern Asia, and the East Indies, and Afropavo, of Africa.

peafowl

/ ˈpiːˌfaʊl /

noun

1. either of two large pheasants, Pavo cristatus ( blue peafowl ) of India and Ceylon and P. muticus ( green peafowl ) of SE Asia. The males (peacocks) have a characteristic bright plumage See peacock

2. a rare closely related African species, Afropavo congensis ( Congo peafowl ), both sexes of which are brightly coloured

Word History and Origins

Origin of peafowl¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; pea ( peacock ) + fowl

Example Sentences

A new owner purchased the property 14 years ago and brought with him a peafowl and peahen, said Nielsen.

From Los Angeles Times

“Under no circumstances will the trapped peafowl be euthanized or treated inhumanely,” Barnes said.

From Los Angeles Times

Wild peafowl can live as long as 25 years.

From BBC

Shreyovi spotted the two Indian peafowl while walking in the forest with her parents.

From BBC

Ms. Shields was told he was rescued from other peafowl, who can turn aggressive toward their old, pecking them to death.

From New York Times