noun

plume

PLOOM

noun

A large, often decorative feather, or a cluster of feathers.

"The knight's helmet had a bright red plume."

A rising column of smoke, dust, or similar substance.

"A plume of black smoke rose from the factory."

verb

Of a bird: to smooth and arrange its feathers.

"The swan plumed its wings before taking flight."

To feel proud of oneself, often excessively.

"He plumed himself on having predicted the result."

How to Use Plume

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA feather (or feather-like tuft), a rising cloud of smoke or dust, or to preen/be proud of oneself.

Common pairings

plume of smoke feather plume plume oneself on

Word Forms

plumed past tense, plume plural, plumed plural, plumes singular, plume singular, plumed singular, plumest singular, plumedst singular, plumeth singular

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The knight's helmet had a bright red _____.

Etymology

From Latin "plūma" meaning feather or down, arriving in English through French.

Rhymes for plume

ume fume Hume Blume volume assume exhume resume consume perfume costume presume

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