# pheasant

/ˈfɛzənt/ (US) · /fˈɛzənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pheasant
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. the bird

noun · CEFR B2

a large bird with a long tail; the males usually have very bright, colourful feathers.

For teachers: a large, long-tailed bird of the family Phasianidae, frequently reared in preserves for game hunting.

- We saw a colourful pheasant fly across the field while we were walking.
- The male pheasant is easily identified by its iridescent plumage and distinctive red face patches, which contrast sharply with the brown feathers of the female.

### 2. the meat

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the meat from this bird, which people cook and eat.

For teachers: the flesh of the pheasant used as food, typically considered a type of game meat.

- The restaurant served roasted pheasant with seasonal vegetables.
- The chef recommended the roast pheasant, noting that its lean, slightly gamey flavour paired excellently with the tartness of the cranberry reduction.

## Examples

- A colorful pheasant ran across the road into the tall grass.
- The restaurant specializes in seasonal game, serving roasted pheasant with a side of wild berries and root vegetables.
- As we walked through the autumn woods, the sudden, noisy flush of a pheasant from the undergrowth startled the entire group and sent the dogs into a frenzy.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.