feather

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'feather' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a light, soft material found on birds and other animals, or to refer to something that is delicate, such as a "feather touch" or a "feather in the wind". For example: The delicate feathers of the swan floated in the light summer breeze.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"There would not be a feather on a hen harrier chick's head harmed," said Anderson.

The Guardian

"Things have changed a bit since my time," she adds, raising her eyebrows at two women, one black, one white, who wear nothing but discreet jewels between their legs and red feather head-dresses which trail down their backs.

The Guardian - Travel

Unknown" C) "She come looking for her feather.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She wears little Doc Martens and earrings and fancy feather coats.

The Guardian - Music

Perhaps the best example of this is Feather Down Farms.

The Guardian - Travel

Then the otherwise accurate spinner drifts a touch to the leg and Taylor is able to feather it past the keeper for four more.

The Guardian - Sport

Not just a glass of red and a few peanuts, either: in its San Francisco Triton hotel, we all wore feather boas and had our palms read.

The Guardian - Travel

Shoeboxes full of passports, wads of bankcards and trays of wallets are stacked on the floor, while an impressive pile of feather jewellery sits on the side.

The Guardian - Music

But she's also aware that when she takes the stage in her white tutu and feather headdress, the moment will resonate beyond the four walls of the theatre.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

And when you get home it will be a while before you forget the casual whoop of the tree frogs at nightfall or the magnificent flamboyant trees with their thick, confident branches and shocking red-feather tops.

The Guardian - Travel

So here, for the time being, are the chickens, all 6,000 of them; 1,000 per state-of-the free-range-poultry-art mobile barn, a crowd of white-feather-dusters fossicking around in the grass surrounding their homes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "feather" metaphorically (e.g., "a feather in one's cap"), ensure the context is clear to avoid confusion with the literal meaning.

Common error

Avoid using the idiom "birds of a feather flock together" without understanding its meaning – it refers to people with similar interests or characteristics associating with each other.

Linguistic Context

The word "feather" primarily functions as a noun, referring to the plumage of birds. It can also be used as a verb, meaning to cover or adorn with feathers. Ludwig AI indicates that "feather" is correct and usable in written English. The provided examples showcase both noun and verb usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "feather" is a versatile word primarily used as a noun to describe a bird's plumage, as supported by Ludwig AI and numerous examples. It can also function as a verb. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to formal business and scientific writing. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for diverse communication styles. While idiomatic expressions like "birds of a feather flock together" exist, understanding their specific meanings is crucial for accurate and effective communication. Overall, "feather" is a common and grammatically sound word in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plumage

Focuses specifically on the collective covering of feathers on a bird.

a plume

Suggests a large or showy feather, often used for decoration.

down

Describes the soft underfeathers of birds, often used for insulation.

feather in one's cap

Expresses achievement.

pen

Refers to a writing tool formerly made from a quill feather.

birds of a feather

Expresses the idea of similarity between individuals.

fledge

Highlights the action of growing feathers necessary for flight.

tickle with a feather

Used figuratively to mean treat gently.

molt

Describes the process of shedding and replacing feathers.

flight

Refers to the act of flying and relies on feathers for bird control.

FAQs

How can I use "feather" in a sentence?

You can use "feather" to describe a bird's plumage, as in "The bird's feather was brightly colored", or metaphorically, as in "That accomplishment was a "feather in his cap"".

What's the difference between "feather" and "plume"?

"Feather" is a general term for the plumage of birds, while "plume" often refers to a large or showy feather, used for decoration or display.

What does the expression "birds of a feather flock together" mean?

The expression "birds of a feather flock together" means that people with similar interests or characteristics tend to associate with each other.

Is it correct to say "light as a feather"?

Yes, "light as a feather" is a common simile used to describe something that is very lightweight.