Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Adorned with feathers or plumes: Describing something that is decorated or embellished with feathers.
   • Having, covered with, or abounding in plumes or feathers: Describing an object or creature that possesses a large number of feathers, often creating a soft, full appearance.
   • Resembling a plume; soft and light like a feather: Describing something that has the visual or textural quality of a feather—soft, light, and often flowing.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The dancer's plumy headdress swayed gracefully with every movement.
  • We saw a plumy egret standing in the shallow water.
  • Her hat was so plumy it looked like a bird's nest.
  • The plant had plumy fronds that moved in the breeze.

Advanced Usage

• Descriptive of texture or movement: Often used to describe hair, tails, or foliage that is exceptionally soft, full, and moves in a light, flowing manner reminiscent of feathers.
  • The fountain sent up a plumy spray of water into the air.
• Literary/Figurative use: Can be used to describe something insubstantial or ethereal that resembles a plume.
  • Plumy clouds drifted across the summer sky.

Variants and Related Words

• Plume (noun): A long, soft feather or a group of feathers, often used for ornament.
• Plumed (adjective): Having or decorated with plumes. (e.g., )
• Plumelike (adjective): Similar in meaning to "plumy," emphasizing resemblance.

Synonyms

• Feathery: Having, resembling, or covered with feathers.
• Plumed: Adorned with feathers.
• Downy: Covered with soft, fine feathers or hair.

Antonyms

• Bald: Lacking hair or feathers.
• Sleek: Smooth and glossy, not soft and fluffy.

Related Phrases/Idioms

(Note: "Plumy" itself is not commonly used in fixed idioms. Its use is primarily descriptive.) - No direct idioms for "plumy." The related noun "plume" appears in idioms like: - To plume oneself on something: To take pride in something. (e.g., He plumed himself on his victory.)

Adjective

1. adorned with feathers or plumes
2. having or covered with or abounding in plumes
   • the plumed serpent
   • white-plumed egrets
3. resembling a plume
   • the dog's plumy tail