Word
plumage
US/ˈpɫumədʒ/
UK/plˈuːmɪdʒ/
Definition
n. the feathers of a bird. You use this word to describe the color and pattern of a bird's feathers, especially when they look very beautiful.
n. the feathers of a bird, especially when arranged in a particular pattern or coloration. Often used to describe the ornamental display of feathers used in courtship or territorial behavior.
Examples
“The peacock's colorful plumage is very impressive.”
“During the mating season, the male bird develops bright plumage to attract a partner.”
“The ornithologist noted that the bird's iridescent plumage served as a primary defense mechanism against predators, reflecting light in a way that made it difficult to track.”
Examples
simple
“The peacock's colorful plumage is very impressive.”
contextual
“During the mating season, the male bird develops bright plumage to attract a partner.”
complex
“The ornithologist noted that the bird's iridescent plumage served as a primary defense mechanism against predators, reflecting light in a way that made it difficult to track.”
Real-World Examples
“Its warm brown feathers are replaced with crisp black-and-white plumage, perfectly suited to a life on the open ocean.” “Birders learn to identify species through careful observation of field marks – for example, a bird’s unique plumage, size and shape – as well as a bird’s behaviors, vocalizations and surrounding habitat.” Etymology
From Old French plumage (14c.), itself from plume (“feather”) (from Latin plūma (“feather, down”), from a Proto-Indo-European base *plews- (“to pluck, a feather, fleece”) + -age.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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