Eiderdown: meaning, definitions and examples

Eiderdown refers to the soft feathers from the eider duck, commonly used in luxury bedding and insulation. It is often associated with high-quality, expensive products.

• She bought an eiderdown duvet that kept her warm all winter
• The eiderdown filling made the jacket incredibly warm yet lightweight

Down is a general term for the soft feathers under the tougher exterior feathers of birds. It is used in various contexts, such as bedding, jackets, and other insulating materials.

• The pillow was filled with down for extra comfort
• He wore a down jacket during the ski trip

Feathers are the external, more rigid plumage of birds. They can be used for decoration, in crafts, or in some cases, for stuffing items like pillows. The term is broader and less specific than 'down'.

• The costume was adorned with bright, colorful feathers
• Birds shed feathers as they molt

Quill refers to the hard, sharp, central part of a feather. Historically, quills were used as writing instruments, and the term is now sometimes used metaphorically. Quills are not used for filling or insulating purposes.

• She wrote the letter using an old-fashioned quill pen
• The porcupine's quills made it difficult to approach

In addition to feathers, it can also refer to a type of quilt or comforter filled with these feathers, often synonymous with luxury and warmth.

• They pulled the warm eiderdown over themselves as the temperature dropped during the night

A casual, padded coat typically filled with down or synthetic materials, known for its puffy appearance and used in very cold weather.

• He zipped up his puffer coat before heading out into the snowy streets

A lightweight jacket filled with the soft feathers from ducks or geese, ideal for cold weather due to its excellent insulation properties.

• She wore a down jacket for their hiking trip to keep warm in the chilly mountain air

A general term for any heavy coat designed to keep the wearer warm during winter. It can be made from various materials and have different styles.

• She picked her winter coat from the closet, ready for the freezing temperatures