noun

ptarmigan

TAR-mih-gun

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Ptarmigan (noun) means a ptarmigan is one of three grouse species belonging to the genus Lagopus, native to cold, treeless tundra habitat across North America and Eurasia. Example: “A ptarmigan's plumage turns white in winter to match the snow.”

noun

A ptarmigan is one of three grouse species belonging to the genus Lagopus, native to cold, treeless tundra habitat across North America and Eurasia.

"A ptarmigan's plumage turns white in winter to match the snow."

"We spotted a ptarmigan picking its way across the rocky tundra."

"Ptarmigans nest on the ground, which leaves their eggs vulnerable to predators."

How to use ptarmigan

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA ptarmigan is a small tundra grouse known for turning white in winter.

When to use it

It is a specific ornithological term rather than an everyday word.

Memory tip

Say the word without the p sound, roughly TAR-mih-gun, even though it is written with one.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

rock ptarmigan willow ptarmigan white-tailed ptarmigan spot a ptarmigan ptarmigan plumage

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “ptarmigan” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A _____'s plumage turns white in winter to match the snow.

Etymology

The word comes from the Scottish Gaelic tarmachan, whose own origin is unknown. The silent initial p was added later, based on a mistaken idea that the word was related to the Greek element ptero-, meaning wing.

Origin: Scottish Gaelic

Rhymes for ptarmigan

Madigan hooligan Michigan cardigan Corrigan Gilligan Milligan Mulligan Kerrigan Harrigan Hannigan Brannigan

See all rhymes for ptarmigan →

Frequently asked questions

Why is the p silent in ptarmigan?

The p was added to the spelling by people who wrongly believed the word came from the Greek ptero-, meaning wing, even though it actually comes from Scottish Gaelic.

Where do ptarmigans live?

Ptarmigans live in subarctic tundra areas across North America and Eurasia.

How many species of ptarmigan are there?

There are three species, all in the genus Lagopus.

What is the meaning of ptarmigan?

"ptarmigan" (noun) means a ptarmigan is one of three grouse species belonging to the genus Lagopus, native to cold, treeless tundra habitat across North America and Eurasia.