pheasant

noun

pheas·​ant ˈfe-zᵊnt 

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

Few states have managed to brand an outdoor activity any better than South Dakota has with its famous pheasant hunting. —Chris Dorsey, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

The research may inform future survival strategies, such as moving wild pheasants from one part of the state to another to increase genetic mixing. —Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 30 Nov. 2024

In addition, there is an antlerless deer season, a second elk hunt, a pheasant hunt, and trapping season for various species. —Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 2 Dec. 2024

An African lion, two bears, two domestic yaks, 25 pheasants, 40 mandarin ducks and five white cockatoos were sent to North Korea, according to the statement. —Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024

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

Phrases Containing pheasant

• ring-necked pheasant

Kids Definition

pheasant

noun

pheas·​ant ˈfez-ᵊnt 

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