molt
verb (used without object)
(of birds, insects, reptiles, etc.) to cast or shed the feathers, skin, or the like, that will be replaced by a new growth.
was molting
-
past progressiveof molt.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
He was molting his flight feathers and chose to be alone.
From "Frightful's Mountain" by Jean Craighead George
The breeding season was over, and she was molting.
From "Frightful's Mountain" by Jean Craighead George
The first thing he noticed was that the gull’s head was molting and turning white, though a dark brown patch remained behind each eye.
From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams
One specimen taken on June 23 was molting over much of the body.
From Mammals of Northwestern South Dakota by Kenneth W. Andersen
Well, then the angel that was molting for the musical comedy lost his last feather and the company broke up.
From Waifs and Strays Part 1 by O. Henry
