plumage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, literary, technical
Quick answer
What does “plumage” mean?
A bird's feathers collectively, covering its body.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A bird's feathers collectively, covering its body.
Elaborate or colourful dress or ornamentation, suggesting the showy feathers of a bird.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Both varieties share connotations of beauty, display, and natural ornamentation. In ornithological contexts, it is a standard technical term.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, used in similar formal, literary, and specialist contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “plumage” in a Sentence
the plumage of [bird species][Adjective] plumagesport/show/display [possessive] plumageVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “plumage” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bird will plumage itself meticulously. (rare, non-standard)
- Not commonly used as a verb.
American English
- The verb 'to plumage' is obsolete and not in modern use.
adverb
British English
- No established adverb form.
American English
- No established adverb form.
adjective
British English
- The plumage colours were astounding. (noun used attributively)
- Not a standard adjective.
American English
- Plumage-related studies are fascinating. (noun used attributively)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Potential figurative use in fashion or design: 'The brand's new line features the plumage of spring colours.'
Academic
Common in biological sciences, especially ornithology and zoology. Used literally to describe avian characteristics.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used when describing a strikingly coloured bird or in a poetic/literary manner.
Technical
Standard term in ornithology for a bird's feather coat, with specific terms like 'eclipse plumage' or 'nuptial plumage'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “plumage”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “plumage”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “plumage”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a plumage'). It is almost always uncountable.
- Confusing with 'plume' (a single large feather).
- Mispronouncing as /plʌmɪdʒ/ (like 'plum' the fruit). Correct is /pluːmɪdʒ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'plumage' is generally an uncountable noun. You refer to 'its plumage', not 'its plumages'. However, you can refer to different 'types of plumage' (e.g., summer and winter plumage).
'Feathers' can refer to individual items or the collective. 'Plumage' specifically refers to the collective arrangement, pattern, and appearance of feathers on a bird, often with an emphasis on its visual effect.
Yes, but only figuratively and often in a literary or humorous context, to describe someone's showy or elaborate clothing (e.g., 'the plumage of the guests at the gala').
It is pronounced /ˈpluːmɪdʒ/ (PLOO-mij). The first syllable rhymes with 'glue', not with the fruit 'plum'.
A bird's feathers collectively, covering its body.
Plumage is usually formal, literary, technical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “fine feathers make fine birds (related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PLUM (a purple fruit) stuck in a bird's feathers – its PLUM-age is the colourful, fruity-looking collection of feathers.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS PLUMAGE (e.g., 'He arrived in all his plumage' meaning in his finest clothes). DISPLAY/ATTRACTION IS PLUMAGE (referring to showy courtship displays).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate definition of 'plumage'?