peafowl

noun

pea·​fowl ˈpē-ˌfau̇(-ə)l How to pronounce peafowl (audio)
: any of three very large terrestrial pheasants (Pavo cristatus and P. muticus of southeastern Asia and Afropavo congensis of central Africa) often raised as ornamental fowls due to their usually colorful, iridescent plumage and especially for the long, trailing tail coverts of the male which can be held more or less erect and outspread see also peacock, peahen

Illustration of peafowl

Illustration of peafowl
  • A female (peahen)
  • B male (peacock)

Examples of peafowl 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.
The zoo cares for half of all the Congo peafowl in the United States. — Deborah Martin, San Antonio Express-News, 4 Feb. 2026 Make note of her collection of miniatures, many of which were gifts, as well as the writer’s many nods to peafowl and other birds, her favorite animal. — Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 26 May 2025 Like their more familiar blue relatives, peafowl are capable of flying, despite their large size and long tail feathers. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 Male peafowl, called peacocks, are known for their screeching calls and plumage, including a long train of feathers that’s displayed during courtship rituals. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for peafowl

Word History

Etymology

pea- (as in peacock) + fowl

First Known Use

circa 1790, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of peafowl was circa 1790

Rhymes for peafowl

See All Rhymes for peafowl

Browse Nearby Words

pea flower
peafowl
peag
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Peafowl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peafowl. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on peafowl

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about peafowl

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