golden pheasant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialist (ornithology, wildlife), Formal/Literary
Quick answer
What does “golden pheasant” mean?
A brightly coloured game bird (Chrysolophus pictus) native to western China, with a distinctive golden-yellow crest, red body, and long striped tail in the male.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A brightly coloured game bird (Chrysolophus pictus) native to western China, with a distinctive golden-yellow crest, red body, and long striped tail in the male.
Often used symbolically or in names (e.g., Golden Pheasant brand) to suggest rarity, beauty, or exotic luxury.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in denotation. The bird is equally exotic in both cultures.
Connotations
In UK, may evoke associations with stately homes or ornamental aviaries. In US, may be more associated with exotic pet trade or aviculture.
Frequency
Slightly higher potential frequency in UK due to historical interest in game birds and ornamental species on country estates.
Grammar
How to Use “golden pheasant” in a Sentence
The [adj] golden pheasant [verb]A [noun] of golden pheasantsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “golden pheasant” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The garden had a golden-pheasant enclosure.
- She wore a hat with golden-pheasant feathers.
American English
- They admired the golden-pheasant plumage.
- He painted a golden-pheasant motif.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Possibly in branding for luxury or exotic products (e.g., 'Golden Pheasant Estates').
Academic
Used in ornithology, zoology, conservation biology texts.
Everyday
Used when discussing wildlife, birdwatching, exotic pets, or visited aviaries.
Technical
Standard term in aviculture and taxonomic classification.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “golden pheasant”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “golden pheasant”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “golden pheasant”
- Misspelling as 'golden peasant'. Using as a common noun without article ('I saw golden pheasant').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In some regions, yes, with proper permits and aviary facilities, as they are a popular aviculture species. However, they require specialised care.
The golden pheasant is classified as Least Concern globally by the IUCN, but its wild populations are affected by habitat loss. It is widespread in captivity.
Both are Chrysolophus species. The golden pheasant has a golden crest and red underparts, while Lady Amherst's has a white and black neck ruff and greenish breast.
It is named for the male's distinctive golden-yellow crest and the rich golden-orange colouring on its back and rump.
A brightly coloured game bird (Chrysolophus pictus) native to western China, with a distinctive golden-yellow crest, red body, and long striped tail in the male.
Golden pheasant is usually specialist (ornithology, wildlife), formal/literary in register.
Golden pheasant: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡəʊl.dən ˈfez.ənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡoʊl.dən ˈfez.ənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'golden' treasure with a 'pheasant' (sounds like 'present') – a golden present of a bird.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GOLDEN PHEASANT IS A JEWEL/ORNAMENT (due to its bright, decorative appearance).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'golden pheasant' MOST likely to be used accurately?