Plumage vs Plumery: When And How Can You Use Each One?

When it comes to describing the feathers of birds, the terms plumage and plumery are often used interchangeably. However, there is a subtle difference between the two that is important to note.

Plumage is the correct term to use when referring to the feathers of birds. It encompasses all of the feathers on a bird’s body, including those used for flight, insulation, and display. Plumage is an essential part of a bird’s anatomy, providing protection from the elements and aiding in flight.

On the other hand, plumery is a less commonly used term that refers specifically to the art of creating decorative objects using feathers, such as hats, fans, and jewelry. Plumery is often associated with the fashion industry and was particularly popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

While the two terms may seem similar, it is important to use them correctly to avoid confusion. In this article, we will explore the differences between plumage and plumery, as well as their significance in the world of birds and fashion.

Define Plumage

Plumage refers to the feathers that cover the body of a bird. These feathers are made up of a protein called keratin and are essential to a bird’s survival. Plumage serves many purposes, including insulation, waterproofing, and flight.

Plumage can vary greatly among different bird species. Some birds have brightly colored plumage, while others have more muted colors. The colors of a bird’s plumage can serve a variety of purposes, such as attracting mates or camouflaging the bird in its environment.

Plumage can also change throughout a bird’s life. Juvenile birds often have different plumage than adult birds, and some birds molt their feathers periodically, replacing old feathers with new ones.

Define Plumery

Plumery, on the other hand, is a term that is not commonly used in modern English. It is an archaic term that refers to a place where feathers are stored or sold. In the past, feathers were highly valued for their decorative purposes, and plumeries were common in cities throughout Europe and North America.

Plumeries were often filled with exotic feathers from all over the world, including feathers from birds of paradise, peacocks, and ostriches. These feathers were used to make hats, fans, and other decorative items. However, the demand for feathers eventually led to the decline of many bird species, and laws were put in place to protect them.

Today, the term plumery is rarely used, and the feathers that were once so highly prized are now more commonly associated with animal cruelty and environmental damage.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the correct terminology in writing is crucial for conveying the intended message effectively. In this section, we will explore how to properly use the words plumage and plumery in a sentence.

How To Use Plumage In A Sentence

Plumage refers to the feathers of a bird, especially those used for display. Here are some examples of how to use plumage in a sentence:

• The peacock’s plumage is a beautiful sight to behold.
• The bird’s dull plumage helped it blend into its surroundings.
• The male bird’s colorful plumage was used to attract a mate.

As seen in the examples above, plumage is used to describe the physical appearance of a bird’s feathers, often in relation to their function or purpose.

How To Use Plumery In A Sentence

Plumery, on the other hand, is a lesser-known word that refers to the art or craft of making or arranging feathers, especially for decorative purposes. Here are some examples of how to use plumery in a sentence:

• The elaborate plumery on the headdress was a symbol of the tribe’s status.
• The costume designer used plumery to create a realistic bird costume for the play.
• The museum showcased a collection of Native American plumery.

As illustrated in the examples above, plumery is used to describe the art or craft of working with feathers, often for decorative purposes such as headdresses, costumes, or displays.

More Examples Of Plumage & Plumery Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the difference between “plumage” and “plumery,” it can be helpful to see how these words are used in various contexts. Here are some examples of both words used in sentences:

Examples Of Using “Plumage” In A Sentence

• The male peacock’s plumage is a stunning display of iridescent colors.
• The bird’s dull plumage helped it blend in with its surroundings.
• The naturalist studied the plumage of various bird species in the rainforest.
• The bird’s plumage was damaged after flying into a window.
• The researcher analyzed the genetics of plumage coloration in songbirds.
• The owl’s plumage was adapted for silent flight.
• The bird’s plumage changed color during mating season.
• The photographer captured the intricate details of the bird’s plumage in his shot.
• The bird’s plumage was used in traditional Native American headdresses.
• The ornithologist identified the bird species by its unique plumage pattern.

Examples Of Using “Plumery” In A Sentence

• The king’s palace was adorned with exotic plumery from around the world.
• The fashion designer incorporated plumery into her latest collection.
• The museum exhibit showcased the intricate art of plumery-making.
• The aristocrat’s home was filled with luxurious plumery and tapestries.
• The interior designer used plumery to add a touch of elegance to the room.
• The art collector sought out rare and valuable pieces of plumery.
• The artisan crafted beautiful plumery using feathers from local birds.
• The performer wore an elaborate costume with intricate plumery for the show.
• The decorator used plumery to create a unique and exotic atmosphere in the restaurant.
• The historian researched the cultural significance of plumery in ancient civilizations.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to discussing birds, their feathers are often a topic of conversation. However, it’s important to note that there is a difference between “plumage” and “plumery”. Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of using these terms interchangeably, which can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Plumage” To Refer To Bird-related Accessories

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “plumage” to refer to bird-related accessories, such as feather boas or hats with feathers. However, this is incorrect. “Plumage” refers specifically to a bird’s feathers, not to accessories made from them. Using “plumage” in this context can lead to confusion and misunderstandings.

Using “Plumery” Instead Of “Plumage”

Another mistake people make is using “plumery” instead of “plumage”. While “plumery” is a word that exists in the English language, it refers to the art of breeding and raising domestic fowl, not to a bird’s feathers. Using “plumery” to refer to feathers can make you sound uneducated or uninformed.

Confusing “Plumage” With “Plume”

It’s also common for people to confuse “plumage” with “plume”. While these words are related, they have different meanings. “Plumage” refers to all of the feathers on a bird’s body, while “plume” refers specifically to a long, soft feather or cluster of feathers on a bird’s head, neck, or back. Using these terms interchangeably can lead to confusion and miscommunication.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

• Use “plumage” only when referring to a bird’s feathers, not to bird-related accessories.
• Don’t use “plumery” to refer to feathers.
• Remember that “plumage” refers to all of a bird’s feathers, while “plume” refers to a specific type of feather.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you’re using the correct terminology when discussing birds and their feathers. This will help you communicate more effectively and avoid confusion.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “plumage” and “plumery,” context is key. Depending on the situation, one word may be more appropriate than the other. Let’s explore some different contexts and how the choice between these two words might change.

Scientific Writing

In scientific writing, precision and accuracy are paramount. In this context, “plumage” is the more commonly used term. It refers specifically to the feathers of a bird or the feathers collectively of a species. Using “plumery” in this context would be considered less precise, as it is a more general term that can refer to any collection of feathers, regardless of their origin.

Decor And Fashion

When it comes to decor and fashion, “plumery” is the more appropriate term. It has a more luxurious connotation and is often used to describe the use of feathers in decorative items such as hats and clothing. “Plumage,” on the other hand, is more commonly associated with the natural beauty of birds and is less likely to be used in this context.

Marketing And Advertising

In marketing and advertising, the choice between “plumage” and “plumery” may depend on the audience being targeted. If the product being advertised is a natural or organic bird-related product, “plumage” may be the more appropriate term as it emphasizes the natural beauty of birds. However, if the product is a luxury item that incorporates feathers, “plumery” may be the more appropriate term as it emphasizes the opulence and extravagance of the product.

Summary of Contextual Differences Between Plumage and Plumery

Context	Plumage	Plumery
Scientific Writing	Precise term referring specifically to bird feathers or feathers of a species	Less precise term referring to any collection of feathers
Decor and Fashion	Less commonly used term associated with natural beauty of birds	More commonly used term associated with luxury and opulence
Marketing and Advertising	Emphasizes natural beauty of birds	Emphasizes opulence and extravagance of product

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using plumage and plumery are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they may not apply. Here are a few examples:

1. Scientific Terminology

In scientific contexts, the term “plumage” is often used to refer specifically to the feathers of birds. In this case, “plumery” would not be an appropriate substitute. For example, a researcher studying the coloration of bird feathers would use the term “plumage” rather than “plumery.”

2. Historical Usage

In some cases, the historical usage of these terms may differ from their current definitions. For example, in older texts, “plumery” may have been used to refer to the art of feather decoration, rather than the feathers themselves. In such cases, it would be appropriate to use “plumery” in its historical context, even if it does not align with its current definition.

3. Regional Variations

There may also be regional variations in the use of these terms. For example, in some parts of the world, “plumery” may be the more commonly used term to refer to feathers, while in others, “plumage” may be preferred. It is important to be aware of these regional differences when communicating with people from different areas.

4. Creative Writing

In creative writing, authors may choose to use either term for stylistic purposes. For example, an author may choose to use “plumery” to create a more poetic or whimsical tone, while “plumage” may be used for a more scientific or factual tone. In such cases, the choice of term is up to the author’s discretion.

Overall, while there are some exceptions to the rules for using plumage and plumery, these instances are relatively rare and should not cause confusion for most readers.

Practice Exercises

To improve your understanding and usage of plumage and plumery, here are some practice exercises:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

1. The peacock’s __________ was so vibrant that it caught everyone’s attention.
2. The birdwatcher was amazed by the __________ of the exotic bird.
3. The fashion designer used the bird’s __________ as inspiration for their new collection.

Answer Key:

1. plumage
2. plumery
3. plumage

Exercise 2: Sentence Completion

Complete the following sentences using either plumage or plumery:

1. __________ refers to the feathers of a bird.
2. __________ is the art of using feathers in fashion or decoration.
3. The bird’s __________ was so beautiful that it looked like a work of art.
4. The fashion designer incorporated __________ into their latest collection.

Answer Key:

1. Plumage
2. Plumery
3. plumage
4. plumery

Exercise 3: Sentence Writing

Write a sentence using either plumage or plumery:

1. ______________
2. ______________
3. ______________

Answer Key:

1. The peacock’s plumage was so vibrant that it caught everyone’s attention.
2. The fashion designer used plumery as inspiration for their new collection.
3. The birdwatcher was amazed by the plumery of the exotic bird.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between plumage and plumery is crucial for effective communication. The two words may sound similar, but they have distinct meanings that should not be interchanged.

Plumage is the collection of feathers on a bird, while plumery refers to the art of featherwork, particularly in the creation of ornamental pieces.

It is important to use the correct word in the appropriate context to avoid confusion and misinterpretation.

Key Takeaways

• Plumage refers to bird feathers, while plumery refers to featherwork.
• Using the wrong word can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.
• Understanding the nuances of language can enhance communication skills.

By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, readers can improve their writing and speaking abilities and convey their ideas more effectively.