pheasant

noun

pheas·​ant ˈfe-zᵊnt How to pronounce pheasant (audio)
plural pheasant or pheasants
1
: any of numerous large often long-tailed and brightly colored Old World gallinaceous birds (Phasianus and related genera of the family Phasianidae) including many raised as ornamental or game birds compare ring-necked pheasant
2
: any of various birds resembling a pheasant

Examples of pheasant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Landowners can consult with wildlife biologists on how to better mange their land for pheasants, quail and other wildlife. Brent Frazee, Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2024 More tellingly still, on the block in front of me are half a dozen dead pheasants. Olivia Potts, Longreads, 15 Feb. 2024 Your best bet for catching one is to find a deep pool and fish along the bottom with a pheasant tail, hare’s ear or prince nymph pattern. Jordan Rodriguez, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024 As pheasant season wears on, birds learn to avoid hunters. Phil Bourjaily, Field & Stream, 3 Jan. 2024 The show, which rotates from city to city in the pheasant and quail range, is a bird hunter’s dream world. Brent Frazee, Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2024 Sometimes filled with pheasant, sometimes with shrimp and scallops, his rolls are shaped into perfectly smooth globes. New York Times, 7 Sep. 2023 Late-season pheasants will seek out heavy cover to stay warm. Phil Bourjaily, Field & Stream, 3 Jan. 2024 When a broker took them to the land, a three-mile drive north, pheasants scattered. Curbed, 15 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pheasant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fesaunt, from Anglo-French fesant, faisan, from Latin phasianus, from Greek (ornis) phasianos, from phasianos of the Phasis River, from Phasis, river in Colchis

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pheasant was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near pheasant

Cite this Entry

“Pheasant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pheasant. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

pheasant

noun
pheas·​ant ˈfez-ᵊnt How to pronounce pheasant (audio)
plural pheasant or pheasants
: any of numerous large long-tailed brightly colored birds that are related to the domestic chicken and many of which are raised as ornamental or game birds

More from Merriam-Webster on pheasant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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