moult

Everyday

1. (of a bird, animal or insect) To lose feathers, fur, hair or skin so that new ones can grow. tree →
2. Noun: the time or act of moulting. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons about life cycles: birds moult feathers, dogs moult hair, snakes shed skin, and insects and crabs moult their hard outer skeleton to grow bigger. Pet owners notice moulting when there is fur everywhere.

Examples

• Our dog moults every spring. tree →
• The chicken is moulting, so she has fewer feathers. tree →
• A caterpillar moults several times before it makes a chrysalis. tree →
• Crabs moult their shells to grow. tree →
• There was cat hair all over the sofa during the moult. tree →
• Snakes moult their whole skin at once. tree →

Note

UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ: moult; US: molt. Canada uses both. A moulting animal is usually not ill — it is normal. Close word: shed.