Definition

A young feather that is still growing and has not yet fully developed, often found just emerging from the skin of a bird.

Example

The baby bird had several pinfeathers starting to show on its wings.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a baby bird with a pinfeather?

No, I haven't! What does it look like?

It's a tiny feather just starting to come through the skin.

That sounds really cute! I'd love to see one.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pinfeather → The word is formed from "pin" (from Old English "pinn", meaning a small pointed object) and "feather" (from Old English "feðer", meaning the light covering of birds). A pinfeather refers to a young feather that is still developing and has a pin-like structure before it fully matures.

Memory Tip

Think of a small pointed object ('pin') that is part of a bird's covering ('feather') — a pinfeather is a young feather that is still growing.

Visually Confused Words