Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To raise a young bird until it has grown the feathers necessary for flight.
   • To fit or decorate an arrow with feathers (a flight).

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • (Of a young bird) To grow the feathers needed for flying.

Usage and Examples

• Transitive Verb (to care for young birds):
  • The mother bird worked tirelessly to fledge her chicks.
  • Wildlife rehabilitators fledge many orphaned birds each summer.
• Transitive Verb (to fit with feathers):
  • The archer carefully fledged each arrow for stability in flight.
• Intransitive Verb (to develop feathers):
  • The young robins will fledge in about two weeks.
  • Once the nestlings fledge, they still depend on their parents for food.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• In Ornithology: The term is used precisely to describe the stage when a nestling's wing feathers are sufficiently developed for its first flight. A bird that has left the nest is called a fledgling.
• Figurative Use: While less common, "fledge" can be used metaphorically to describe preparing someone or something for independence.
  • The internship program is designed to fledge the next generation of engineers.

Variants and Related Words

• Fledged (adjective): Having the feathers necessary for flight; mature or developed.
  • A fully fledged eagle.
  • A fully fledged member of the organization.
• Fledgling (noun/adjective):
  • (Noun) A young bird that has just grown its flight feathers.

    • The fledgling hopped on the ground near the nest.
  • (Adjective) New, inexperienced, or just beginning.

    • A fledgling democracy.
• Flight (noun): In archery, the feathered end of an arrow.

Synonyms

• For raising birds: Rear, raise, nurture.
• For growing feathers: Develop feathers, mature.
• For fitting arrows: Feather, van.

Antonyms

• For the intransitive meaning: Remain flightless, be unfeathered.

Verb

1. grow feathers
   • The young sparrows are fledging already
2. decorate with feathers
   • fledge an arrow
3. feed, care for, and rear young birds for flight