Partridge - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

bird

A partridge is a medium-sized bird typically found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. They are known for their distinctive call and are often hunted for sport or food.

Synonyms

grouse, pheasant, quail.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
partridge	Partridge is often associated with ornithology, hunting, and fairytales. It is particularly well-known from the Christmas carol 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'. The partridge nested calmly in the old pear tree. He went hunting and managed to catch a partridge.
quail	Quail is often used in both hunting and gourmet culinary contexts. The word can also imply being overwhelmed or shrinking back in fear, though this is less common. For lunch, the chef prepared a delicious quail salad. He saw the shadow and quailed, not knowing what it was.
pheasant	Pheasant is commonly mentioned in hunting and gourmet cooking. It can be used to evoke an upscale, rustic, or gamey culinary context. They grilled pheasant over an open fire during their camping trip. The restaurant's special tonight is roasted pheasant with wild berries.
grouse	Grouse is typically used in the context of hunting and culinary arts. It can also be used in a slang manner to mean complaining, which has a bit of a negative connotation. They had grouse for dinner after a successful day of hunting. Stop grousing about the weather; there's nothing we can do about it.

Examples of usage

We spotted a covey of partridges in the field.
The hunter aimed carefully at the partridge perched on the branch.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

This bird appears in the famous Christmas carol 'The Twelve Days of Christmas', symbolizing a gift of love.
In various folk tales, the partridge is often associated with fertility and prosperity, making it a popular symbol in art.

Wildlife and Habitats

Partridges prefer open landscapes, typically residing in fields, grasslands, and sometimes forests.
They are ground-dwelling birds that are more adept at running than flying, making them unique among their bird relatives.

Behavioral Traits

Partridges are known for their strong social bonds, often forming flocks during the colder months.
When in danger, these birds prefer to run away instead of flying, relying on their camouflaging feathers to hide.

Conservation Status

Some species of partridges, such as the grey partridge, have seen declines in population due to habitat loss.
Conservation efforts are in place in various regions to protect their habitats and support their resurgence in the wild.

Origin of 'partridge'

Main points about word origin

The word originates from the Old French 'pertriz', which was derived from the Latin 'perdix'.
In many languages, the name for this bird has roots connecting it to the word for 'wild', reflecting its natural habitat.

The word 'partridge' comes from the Middle English 'partrich', which in turn comes from the Old French 'perdriz' and the Latin 'perdix', ultimately deriving from the Greek 'perdix'. The partridge has been a symbol in various cultures, often representing fertility, sacrifice, or protection.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,489, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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21486 bilaterally
21487 suffocating
21488 spatula
21489 partridge
21490 refueling
21491 responders
21492 broached
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Partridge Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations