fledge: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Literary, Technical (Ornithology)
Quick answer
What does “fledge” mean?
(for a young bird) to develop the feathers needed for flying.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
(for a young bird) to develop the feathers needed for flying; to rear a young bird until it can fly.
To equip or provide with something necessary for development or operation; to become fully developed or qualified.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. 'Full-fledged' (US) vs. 'Fully-fledged' (UK) is the primary spelling variation for the adjective.
Connotations
Similar in both dialects. The ornithological sense is neutral; the extended sense often conveys a formal, accomplished status.
Frequency
Slightly more common in written, formal, or technical contexts in both regions. The adjective form ('full-fledged/fully-fledged') is more frequent than the verb.
Grammar
How to Use “fledge” in a Sentence
The chicks will fledge (in June). [Intransitive]The parents fledged three chicks this season. [Transitive]She is a fully-fledged lawyer. [Adjectival]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fledge” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The blue tits are expected to fledge by mid-May.
- The sanctuary successfully fledged several endangered owlets this year.
American English
- The eagles won't fledge until their wing muscles are strong enough.
- It takes great effort for parent birds to fledge their brood.
adjective
British English
- She is now a fully-fledged member of the Bar.
- The research division became a fully-fledged institute last year.
American English
- After the final audit, the startup was a full-fledged corporation.
- He's not just an intern; he's a full-fledged engineer now.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a project or department becoming fully operational and independent. 'The spin-off is now a full-fledged company.'
Academic
Used in biology/ornithology for bird development. Also used metaphorically for developed theories. 'The fledged juveniles were ringed for tracking.'
Everyday
Rare. Might be used humorously for children leaving home or a new graduate starting a career.
Technical
Specific term in ornithology for the stage when a young bird acquires flight feathers and leaves the nest.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fledge”
- Incorrect: 'The project is still fledging.' (Use 'developing' for ongoing process; 'fledge' implies completion). Correct: 'The project is not yet fully fledged.'
- Incorrect: 'He fledged his studies.' (Use 'completed' or 'finished'). Correct: 'He became a fully-fledged professional after his studies.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. Its core meaning is ornithological. However, it is commonly used metaphorically (especially as the adjective 'full-fledged') to describe anything becoming fully developed or operational, like a project, professional, or organisation.
'Fledge' is a verb (or participle adjective). 'Fledgling' is primarily a noun meaning a young bird that has just fledged, or by extension, a person or organisation that is new and inexperienced. For example: 'A fledgling fell from the nest' vs. 'She helped fledge the chicks.'
Both are correct, but 'full-fledged' is standard in American English, while 'fully-fledged' is more common in British English. The meaning is identical.
Yes, but it's less common. The active voice is often used in technical ornithology (e.g., 'The pair fledged four chicks'), while the passive or adjectival forms are more frequent in general use (e.g., 'The chicks have fledged', 'a fully-fledged expert').
(for a young bird) to develop the feathers needed for flying.
Fledge is usually formal/literary, technical (ornithology) in register.
Fledge: in British English it is pronounced /flɛdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /flɛdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Full-fledged member”
- “Fledge the nest”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bird on a LEDGE getting ready to FLEDGE. It needs its feathers on the edge to fly away.
Conceptual Metaphor
READINESS IS HAVING FEATHERS / MATURITY IS THE ABILITY TO FLY.
Practice
Quiz
In an ornithology report, what does 'the chicks have fledged' mean?