Illustration of ptarmigan
- A summer plumage
- B winter plumage
ptarmigan
noun
ptar·mi·gan
ˈtär-mi-gən 
plural ptarmigan or ptarmigans
: any of various grouses (genus Lagopus) of northern regions with completely feathered feet
Examples of ptarmigan in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The conservation organization works to restore peatlands, replant native Caledonian pine forests, and reintroduce endangered species such as ptarmigans.
—
Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Apr. 2026
Among the animals were polar bears, walruses, bowhead whales, Atlantic puffins, common eiders, rock ptarmigans, and Atlantic cod.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2025
Beyond these birds, Denali National Park also provides ample opportunity to spot one particularly famous species: the willow ptarmigan.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Travelers can go snowshoeing, marvel at frozen waterfalls, go sledding, cross-country skiing, and look for wildlife like the snowshoe hare, white-tailed ptarmigan, coyote, elk, and mule deer.
—Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2024
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Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Apr. 2026
Among the animals were polar bears, walruses, bowhead whales, Atlantic puffins, common eiders, rock ptarmigans, and Atlantic cod.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2025
Beyond these birds, Denali National Park also provides ample opportunity to spot one particularly famous species: the willow ptarmigan.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Travelers can go snowshoeing, marvel at frozen waterfalls, go sledding, cross-country skiing, and look for wildlife like the snowshoe hare, white-tailed ptarmigan, coyote, elk, and mule deer.
—Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for ptarmigan
Cite this Entry
“Ptarmigan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ptarmigan. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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ptarmigan
noun
ptar·mi·gan
ˈtär-mi-gən
plural ptarmigan or ptarmigans
: any of various grouses of northern regions with completely feathered feet
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