feather down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feather down" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a type of soft, insulating material made from the down feathers of birds, often used in bedding or clothing. Example: "I prefer my comforter to be filled with feather down for a cozy and warm night's sleep."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Feather Down Farms For UK family holidays, Feather Down Farms, which offer a taste of the good life under canvas on working farms, take some beating.

The Guardian - Travel

Instead of CenterParcs... live the good life with Feather Down Farm Days.

The Guardian - Travel

One concrete-covered feather down, a zillion more to go… In the end, it is difficult to be the constant in your own life.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A family piggy experience (farmstay.co.uk) costs from £95 for four Feather Down has luxury lodge tents and log cabins on 33 working farms in the UK.

The Guardian - Travel

The newly rusticated tub and heater, designed for a company called Feather Down Farms, which installs tents on working farms to give city slickers a taste of green acres, weigh 187 pounds and cost around $6,500, including import fees.

The New York Times

Tipis from £325 for three nights for up to four Pant yr Hwch "At West Wales's first Feather Down Farm the owners are making impressive efforts to achieve self-sufficiency for their 18th-century smallholding," according to Richard.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Everybody needs to get their feathers down and not ruffled".

The New York Times

Then there are the fills, from feathers, down and Dacron to space-age gels and foams that respond to body size, shape and temperature.

The New York Times - Style

Feathers, down and rag compose up to 22.8%% weight of the nest (n = 5), a supporting part (dry twigs) – 63%.

Cryobiology

Online retail giant Asos confirmed on Monday that it will ban the sale of all clothes on its site that contain silk, cashmere, mohair, feathers, down, bone, teeth or shell (including mother of pearl) as of January 2019. .

Huffington Post

Less fill power is synonymous with a higher feather-down ratio, he told me.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing bedding or clothing, use "feather down" to convey a sense of luxury and comfort. It suggests a high-quality filling material that is soft and insulating.

Common error

Avoid using "feather down" metaphorically to describe things that are simply light or gentle. The phrase specifically refers to the plumage of birds and its use as a material.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feather down" primarily functions as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to describe a soft, insulating material derived from bird feathers. It is commonly found in contexts related to bedding, clothing, and descriptions of comfort.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feather down" is a noun phrase denoting the soft plumage of birds, commonly used as a filling material. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its usage is common across various contexts, particularly in news and media, wiki, and encyclopedias. The phrase conveys comfort and quality, and while generally neutral in register, it is essential to use it accurately, referring specifically to bird plumage. Be mindful of ethical sourcing concerns when discussing "feather down" products.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

down feathers

Reverses the order of the words while keeping the core meaning related to bird plumage.

bird down

Highlights the origin of the down, emphasizing the animal source.

soft plumage

Focuses on the texture of the feathers, specifically their softness.

fine feathers

Emphasizes the quality of the feathers.

down filling

Highlights the use of down as a stuffing material.

fluffy down

Emphasizes the texture of the down.

quilt filling

Focuses on the function of down in bedding.

padded stuffing

Highlights the application of feathers in padding objects.

insulated lining

Emphasizes the insulating properties of down.

soft insulation

Focuses on the general function of down as a thermal barrier.

FAQs

What is "feather down" used for?

"Feather down" is commonly used as a filling for bedding items like comforters and pillows, as well as for insulating clothing such as jackets. It is valued for its softness and excellent insulation properties.

What are some synonyms for "feather down"?

Synonyms for "feather down" include "down feathers", "bird down", and "soft plumage". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How does "feather down" compare to synthetic fillings in bedding?

"Feather down" is a natural material known for its superior warmth-to-weight ratio and breathability compared to many synthetic fillings. However, synthetic fillings may be more hypoallergenic and easier to care for.

Is "feather down" ethically sourced?

The ethical sourcing of "feather down" is a concern for some consumers. Look for certifications like the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) to ensure the down comes from birds that have not been live-plucked or force-fed.