peafowl

noun

pea·​fowl ˈpē-ˌfau̇(-ə)l 

: any of three very large terrestrial pheasants (Pavo cristatus and P. muticus of southeastern Asia and Afropavo congensis of central Africa) often raised as ornamental fowls due to their usually colorful, iridescent plumage and especially for the long, trailing tail coverts of the male which can be held more or less erect and outspread see also peacock, peahen

Illustration of peafowl

• A female (peahen)
• B male (peacock)

Examples of peafowl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Male peafowl, called peacocks, are known for their screeching calls and plumage, including a long train of feathers that’s displayed during courtship rituals. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026

The zoo cares for half of all the Congo peafowl in the United States. —Deborah Martin, San Antonio Express-News, 4 Feb. 2026

But even without trapping in the last few years — the program hasn’t been used since 2021 — the number of peafowl in the area has remained relatively stagnant. —Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025

Now the peafowl number more than 50, and funeral coordinator and embalmer Eddie Martinez is in charge of their care. —Pat Saperstein, Variety, 13 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

pea- (as in peacock) + fowl

First Known Use

circa 1790, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for peafowl

• afoul
• wildfowl
• foul
• foule
• fowl
• growl
• howl
• jowl
• owl
• prowl
• scowl
• waterfowl