fledge

verb

ˈflej 

fledged; fledging

intransitive verb

of a young bird : to acquire the feathers necessary for flight or independent activity

also : to leave the nest after acquiring such feathers

transitive verb

1

: to rear until ready for flight or independent activity

2

: to cover with or as if with feathers or down

3

: to furnish (something) with feathers

feather an arrow

Examples of fledge in a Sentence

The young birds haven't yet fledged.

Recent Examples on the Web

Scientists estimate that Wisdom has flown over three million miles in her long life, and fledged as many as 30 chicks. —Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Dec. 2024

The woodpecker moved on, and the owlet fledged with its two siblings about an hour later. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

Of those, 77 successfully fledged, taking their first flight. —Karen Bartunek, The Arizona Republic, 9 Nov. 2024

His first few months in the military resonate with any fledging young person seeking a loving home. —Yiyun Li, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

fledge capable of flying, from Middle English flegge, from Old English -flycge; akin to Old High German flucki capable of flying, Old English flēogan to fly — more at fly

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Kids Definition

fledge

verb

ˈflej 

fledged; fledging

1

: to develop the feathers necessary for flying

also : to leave the nest after developing such feathers

2

: to provide with feathers

fledge an arrow