partridge

noun

par·​tridge ˈpär-trij How to pronounce partridge (audio)
 dialectal  ˈpa-trij
plural partridge or partridges
1
: any of various typically medium-sized stout-bodied Old World gallinaceous birds (Perdix, Alectoris, and related genera) with variegated plumage that are often hunted as game
2
: any of various related birds (such as the American ruffed grouse or bobwhite) resembling the Old World partridges in size, habits, or value as game

Illustration of partridge

Illustration of partridge
  • partridge 1

Examples of partridge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Whilst wooden partridges and mice, wild greens, and backlit walls fill the open-plan lobby with marble tables, wicker armchairs, shiny handmade pottery, and a vast collection of Penguin books. Lewis Nunn, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 Menu items include fresh seafood selections and a partridge dish. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2024 Child learned all manner of dishes during her time at Le Cordon Bleu, including roasted partridges, ratatouille, chocolate ice cream, and her beloved boeuf bourguignon. Keaton Bell, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2024 Pat beat the brush all around me until, with a great racket, up went a partridge into a tree about 10 yards away. Outdoor Life, 23 Nov. 2023 In Uruguay, partridge escabeche contains carrots and black peppercorns. G. Daniela Galarza, Washington Post, 7 Sep. 2023 As such, this platter is Patience Brewster’s take on the 12 Days of Christmas and is decorated with characters inspired by verses from the classic carol, including the partridge in a pear tree. Stephanie Osmanski, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2023 The American chef de cuisine, Balo Ortiz, slid plate after plate — hot-and-sour tortellini, chipotle partridge ravioli — in my direction. Matt Goulding, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2023 Currently, there sporting offerings such as deer hunting, salmon netting, and duck flighting, as well as pheasant and partridge shooting. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 28 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'partridge.' 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 partrich, modification of Anglo-French perdriz, alteration of Old French perdix, from Latin perdic-, perdix, from Greek perdik-, perdix

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of partridge was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near partridge

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

partridge

noun
par·​tridge ˈpär-trij How to pronounce partridge (audio)
plural partridge or partridges
: any of several plump Old World birds related to the common chicken and often hunted as game
also : any of various North American birds (as a bobwhite or ruffed grouse) that are related to and resemble partridges of the Old World

More from Merriam-Webster on partridge

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