feather
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for feather, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — One of the light, branching structures covering a bird's body, used for flight and insulation.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use feather
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English feþer, ultimately from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to fly" — related to Greek petomai ("to fly") and Latin penna ("feather").
Full origin of feather →Frequently asked questions
What does “feather” mean?
The word “feather” means one of the light, branching structures covering a bird's body, used for flight and insulation. In plain terms, the light, fluffy covering on a bird's body, or (as a verb) to angle a blade to cut through air/water smoothly.
How do you pronounce “feather”?
“Feather” is pronounced FEHTH-uh (/ˈfɛð.ɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “feather” in a sentence?
Here is “feather” used in a sentence: “A single white feather drifted down onto the lawn.”
What is another word for “feather”?
Words with a similar meaning to “feather” include plume and pluma.
What part of speech is “feather”?
Depending on how it is used, “feather” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “feather” come from?
The word “feather” comes from Latin. From Old English feþer, ultimately from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to fly" — related to Greek petomai ("to fly") and Latin penna ("feather").
Is “feather” a common word?
“Feather” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “feather” have?
“Feather” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: one of the light, branching structures covering a bird's body, used for flight and insulation.
What does it mean to "feather" an oar in rowing?
To feather an oar means turning the blade so its edge cuts through the air or water, reducing resistance during the recovery part of the stroke. This technique improves efficiency and speed compared to holding the blade flat against the air.
What is the difference between a "feather" and a "plume"?
Both terms refer to the light, branching structures covering a bird's body, but "plume" often specifically suggests a large, showy feather used for display, while "feather" is the general term for any individual structure.
What is the difference between "feather" and "down"?
"Feather" refers to the structured, often stiffer plumage covering a bird's body, used for flight and insulation, while "down" refers specifically to the soft, fluffy under-layer of feathers used mainly for warmth.