feathering

noun

feath·​er·​ing ˈfe-t͟hə-riŋ How to pronounce feathering (audio)
ˈfet͟h-riŋ
Synonyms of featheringnext
1
: a covering of feathers : plumage
2
: a fringe of hair (as on the legs of a dog) see dog illustration

Examples of feathering in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Her performance proved that a 20-year-old woman can be strong, feathering, free, warm to her competitors, and salty all at the same time. — Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 22 Feb. 2026 In Illustrator, these attributes can range from a simple drop shadow to a seven-layer stroke with feathering, an inner flow, and offsets. — Shelby Putnam Tupper, PC Magazine, 19 May 2026 There’s something very Liv Tyler–inspired about this haircut by hairstylist @kitsadasha; the choppy feathering and ultra-micro bangs make it. — Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 20 Jan. 2026 The formula, enriched with nourishing botanical oils, remains flexible and comfortable on the lips, preventing smudging or feathering. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for feathering

Word History

First Known Use

1721, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of feathering was in 1721

Rhymes for feathering

See All Rhymes for feathering

Browse Nearby Words

featheriness
feathering
feathering screw
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Feathering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feathering. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
banana-mirrored
Contradictory Words Quiz Pick out which word means one thing…and the opp...
See All