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Definition of ptarmigan

ptarmigan

/ˈtɑːr.mɪ.ɡən/
ptar · mi · gan
Plural:ptarmigans
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ptarmigan Lexical Profile

ptarmigan Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of several species of medium-sized gamebirds in the grouse family (genus Lagopus), native to cold Arctic, subarctic, and high alpine regions of the Northern Hemisphere, known for molting into a white plumage in winter for camouflage.

Example

"High above the treeline, the hiker spotted a ptarmigan perfectly blended into the snowy landscape."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ptarmigan

Word Nuance & Usage

The initial 'p' is completely silent; the word is pronounced as 'tarmigan'. It is commonly used in both singular and plural forms interchangeably when referring to the birds collectively.

• Nearby Words

pseudo viper
pseudomuscari
psoralea
ptarmigan
ptelea
pteranodon
pterocephalus

Word Origin & Etymology

From Scottish Gaelic 'tàrmachan'. The initial 'p' was erroneously added in the late 17th century by scholars who wrongly assumed the word was connected to the Greek root 'pteron' (meaning 'wing' or 'feather').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ptarmigan. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 21, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ptarmigan
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