The meaning of FLEDGE is to acquire the feathers necessary for flight or independent activity; also : to leave the nest after acquiring such feathers. How to use fledge in a sentence.

Fledging is the stage in a flying animal 's life between hatching or birth and becoming capable of flight. This term is most frequently applied to birds, but is also used for bats. [1][2] For altricial birds, those that spend more time in vulnerable condition in the nest, the nestling and fledging stage can be the same.

FLEDGE definition: 1. (of a young bird) to grow feathers and learn to fly: 2. (of a young bird) to grow feathers and…. Learn more.

You can use the verb fledge in several ways — first, to describe what happens when a bird's feathers grow in. A mother bird — or human — who cares for and raises a young bird can also be said to fledge it.

To raise (a young bird) until it is ready to leave the nest: a pair of ducks that fledged several young. 2. To cover with or as if with feathers. 3. Archaic To provide (an arrow) with feathers. 1. To grow the plumage necessary for flight. 2. To leave the nest: nestlings that are about to fledge.

to bring up (a young bird) until it is able to fly. to furnish with or as if with feathers or plumage. to provide (an arrow) with feathers. fledged, fledging. (of a young bird) to acquire the feathers …

There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb fledge. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.