noun

pelt

pehlt

Pelt (noun) means the skin of an animal, especially with the fur or hair still attached. Example: “The trapper stretched the fox pelt out to dry.”

noun

The skin of an animal, especially with the fur or hair still attached.

"The trapper stretched the fox pelt out to dry."

verb

To throw a series of things at someone or something, or (of rain) to fall heavily.

"The kids pelted each other with snowballs."

"Rain pelted the windows all night long."

How to use pelt

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn animal skin with fur on it, or to throw things forcefully (or rain to fall hard) at something.

Common mistake

Don't confuse the noun "pelt" (an animal skin) with the unrelated verb sense of throwing things — context usually makes it clear which is meant.

Common pairings

animal pelt pelt someone with rain pelted down

Word forms

pelted past tense, pelted past tense, pelted past tense, pelts plural, pelt plural, pelted plural, pelts plural, pelts plural, pelts plural, Pelts plural, pelts singular, pelts singular, pelt singular, pelted singular, peltest singular, peltedst singular, pelteth singular, pelts singular

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Can you complete this real example?

The trapper stretched the fox _____ out to dry.

Etymology

From Middle English pelt ("skin of a sheep"), of uncertain further origin, ultimately connected to Latin pellis ("skin, hide").

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for pelt

felt melt belt Welt spelt smelt

See all rhymes for pelt →

Frequently asked questions

What does “pelt” mean?

The word “pelt” means the skin of an animal, especially with the fur or hair still attached. In plain terms, an animal skin with fur on it, or to throw things forcefully (or rain to fall hard) at something.

How do you pronounce “pelt”?

“Pelt” is pronounced pehlt (/pɛlt/ in IPA).

How do you use “pelt” in a sentence?

Here is “pelt” used in a sentence: “The trapper stretched the fox pelt out to dry.”

What part of speech is “pelt”?

Depending on how it is used, “pelt” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “pelt” come from?

The word “pelt” comes from Latin. From Middle English pelt ("skin of a sheep"), of uncertain further origin, ultimately connected to Latin pellis ("skin, hide").

How many meanings does “pelt” have?

“Pelt” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the skin of an animal, especially with the fur or hair still attached.