pelage

noun

pel·​age ˈpe-lij 

: the hairy covering of a mammal

Synonyms

• coat
• fleece
• fur
• hair
• jacket
• pile
• wool

Examples of pelage in a Sentence

color variation in the snow leopard's pelage

Recent Examples on the Web

However, multiple studies over the past 50 years have highlighted the distinctions between different types of giraffe based on their pelage patterns, cranial and postcranial morphology, genetics, ecology, and behavior. —Grrlscientist, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

However, multiple studies over the past 50 years have highlighted the distinctions between different types of giraffe based on their pelage patterns, cranial and postcranial morphology, genetics, ecology, and behavior. —Grrlscientist, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

Most are taken in spring and fall when their pelage is out of sync with the current weather pattern. —John Schandelmeier, Anchorage Daily News, 12 Feb. 2023

Some exhibit a pale gray pelage similar to western coyotes, but others are blond, red, and even black. —Popular Science, 12 Mar. 2021

Some exhibit a pale gray pelage similar to western coyotes, but others are blond, red, and even black. —Popular Science, 12 Mar. 2021

Some exhibit a pale gray pelage similar to western coyotes, but others are blond, red, and even black. —Popular Science, 12 Mar. 2021

Some exhibit a pale gray pelage similar to western coyotes, but others are blond, red, and even black. —Popular Science, 12 Mar. 2021

Some exhibit a pale gray pelage similar to western coyotes, but others are blond, red, and even black. —Popular Science, 12 Mar. 2021

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French, from poil hair, from Old French peil, from Latin pilus

First Known Use

1734, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pelage

• assuage
• backstage
• bocage
• downstage
• engage
• enrage
• leafage
• messuage
• offstage
• onstage
• outrage
• prophage

Kids Definition

pelage

noun

pel·​age ˈpel-ij 

: the hairy covering of an animal

Medical Definition

pelage

noun

pel·​age ˈpel-ij 

: the hairy covering of a mammal