: 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
partridge 1
Examples of partridge in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the WebPliny noted that blackbirds, partridges, jays and pigeons also eat bay leaves for digestive problems.—Adrienne Mayor, Discover Magazine, 28 May 2024 About 100,000 birds, including pheasants, chukar, Hungarian and French red-legged partridges, were killed by animal health authorities after the finding.—Journal Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2024 Farther down the hall from the small birds is the raptors’ room, which on this particular day was home to a partridge, a crow, a buzzard, an owl and a greenfinch — all kept in separate, locker-sized cages.—Jess McHugh, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for partridge
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
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