plumage

American  

[ploo-mij] / ˈplu mɪdʒ /

noun

1. the entire feathery covering of a bird.

2. feathers collectively.

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plumage British  

/ ˈpluːmɪdʒ /

noun

1. the layer of feathers covering the body of a bird

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plumage Scientific  

/ plo̅o̅′mĭj /

1. The covering of feathers on a bird.

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Other Word Forms

• plumaged adjective

Etymology

Origin of plumage

1375–1425; late Middle English < Middle French. See plume, -age

Example Sentences

There were tiny kingfishers with bright orange bills that were as long as their bodies, and metallic plumage in shades of blue that made them glint like jewels in the sun.

From Literature

The Franco-Belgian couturier referenced the extravagant plumage of a roseate spoonbill or the crested cockatoo alongside the humble crow, grey pigeon and magpie.

From Barron's

She also headlined the NFL’s halftime show in its Brazilian debut in September, an homage to her South American neighbor’s rhythms and plumage bookended by the United States’ flagship expression of sporting and economic muscle.

From Los Angeles Times

“Green feathers!” yelled Cassiopeia, batting the rain of plumage from her head.

From Literature

From its display case in the museum’s “Stories from Mesoamerica” hall, the iridescent plumage shimmers like a rainbow encased in glass, a tropical interloper to these northern climes.

From Los Angeles Times