eiderdown

noun

ei·​der·​down ˈī-dər-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce eiderdown (audio)
1
: the down of the eider
2
: a comforter filled with eiderdown
3
: a soft lightweight clothing fabric knitted or woven and napped on one or both sides

Examples of eiderdown in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Another unusual feature of eiderdown is that the feathers cling together into a single mass. Helen Czerski, WSJ, 6 Feb. 2020 Most natural products retain something of their original function when they are put to a new use: nestled in a duvet, eiderdown provides us with warmth; a glass of milk offers us nutrition. 1843, 22 Nov. 2019 The felt yurts were full of carpets and eiderdowns, with cast-iron stoves to keep them warm and snug through the cold nights. Stanley Stewart, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2019 How many homes have pressed sheets, or towels and robes as soft and white and warm as eiderdown? Kevin Doyle, WSJ, 27 Apr. 2018 Fluffy eiderdown duvets and crisp Georg Jensen damask linens offer the right dose of European pampering. Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'eiderdown.' 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

probably from German Eiderdaune, from Icelandic æthardūnn, from æthur + dūnn down entry 7

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of eiderdown was in 1774

Dictionary Entries Near eiderdown

Cite this Entry

“Eiderdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eiderdown. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

eiderdown

noun
ei·​der·​down -ˌdau̇n How to pronounce eiderdown (audio)
1
: the down of the eider
2
: a quilt filled with eiderdown

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