partridge: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1neutral, formal when zoological, informal in cultural references
Quick answer
What does “partridge” mean?
A medium-sized, plump ground-nesting bird with a short tail and brownish plumage, often hunted for game.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medium-sized, plump ground-nesting bird with a short tail and brownish plumage, often hunted for game.
Any of several birds of the family Phasianidae, including species like the grey partridge, red-legged partridge, and rock partridge. Also, in the Christmas carol 'The Twelve Days of Christmas,' the first gift is 'a partridge in a pear tree.'
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The specific species referred to may differ (e.g., Grey Partridge more common in UK, Chukar in parts of US). Hunting terminology and seasons vary.
Connotations
UK: Strong association with the countryside, traditional game shooting, and the Christmas carol. US: Also a game bird, but less culturally central; the carol reference remains strong.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English due to stronger game-shooting culture and the bird's native status. In both, the word is known but not part of daily vocabulary.
Grammar
How to Use “partridge” in a Sentence
[hunt/shoot/find] a partridgea partridge [nests/feeds/calls]as plump as a partridgeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “partridge” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- partridge-breasted (describing a similar colour/pattern)
- partridge season
American English
- partridge hunting
- partridge feathers
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused, except in contexts like game meat export or tourism (e.g., 'partridge shooting holidays').
Academic
Used in ornithology, zoology, ecology, and environmental studies.
Everyday
Most common in contexts related to the countryside, hunting, cooking, and the Christmas season/carol.
Technical
Used in specific taxonomies (Phasianidae) and wildlife management/hunting regulations.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “partridge”
- Misspelling as 'patridge' or 'partrige'.
- Using as a general term for any small game bird (e.g., confusing with grouse or pheasant).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are different birds. Partridges are generally smaller, have shorter tails, and are more closely associated with open ground, while pheasants are larger, longer-tailed, and often found in woodland edges.
This comes from the English Christmas carol 'The Twelve Days of Christmas.' The symbolism is debated; some interpretations suggest the partridge represents Jesus Christ, willingly sacrificing itself for its young, in a tree representing the cross.
Yes, partridge is a traditional game bird and is eaten, especially in Europe. It is considered a lean, flavourful meat and is often roasted.
No, 'partridge' is not standardly used as a verb in modern English. It functions almost exclusively as a noun.
A medium-sized, plump ground-nesting bird with a short tail and brownish plumage, often hunted for game.
Partridge is usually neutral, formal when zoological, informal in cultural references in register.
Partridge: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɑː.trɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɑːr.trɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Partridge in a pear tree (from the Christmas carol)”
- “As plump as a partridge”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Picture a PART of a RIDGE where a plump, brown bird nests. A PARTRIDGE on a RIDGE.
Conceptual Metaphor
Plumpness/Fertility (e.g., 'as plump as a partridge'); Traditional/Rural Life (symbol of the countryside).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most likely context to hear the word 'partridge' in everyday British English?