What does pelt mean?
Pelt most commonly denotes the skin or fur of an animal, particularly a mammal whose skin has been removed intact. The word can refer to the material itself or to a garment made from it, as in a fox or wolf pelt. In some historical and regional contexts, pelt also means a hide prepared for trade or use. As a verb, to pelt someone is to attack them repeatedly with objects such as stones or bottles. This use is informal and vivid, suggesting anger, mockery, or collective hostility. Compared with the more general words skin and hide, pelt often emphasizes an animal's outer covering, its fur, or its value as a material. In the verb construction, pelt someone with something, it describes continuous or vigorous throwing and is normally used when the action is disorderly or hostile.
The skin or fur of an animal, especially when removed from the body and used as material; also, a fur garment made from an animal's skin.
"The museum displays several historic fur pelts."
The word is especially associated with mammal skins and with traditional fur garments.
To attack someone repeatedly by throwing stones, objects, or other material.
"Children pelted the snowman with snowballs."
Usually informal; it describes vigorous or disorderly throwing and often implies anger or mockery.
Use pelts when referring to multiple animal skins or fur garments.
"The shop sells antique pelts and other fur pieces."
A pelt is more than a synonym for fur: it can mean the whole skin of an animal, preserved as hide or transformed into a striking garment.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pelt come from?
The noun developed in Middle English from an Old English word meaning an animal skin or hide, with cognates in other Germanic languages. The verb entered English from French pelter, meaning to throw or strike repeatedly, and ultimately relates to a Germanic root associated with throwing or striking. The noun and verb therefore have related Germanic origins but developed along separate semantic paths.
Related word forms
How pelt is actually used
As a noun, pelt is especially associated with animal skins used for clothing, trade, or traditional crafts. The verb is informal and conveys vigorous, hostile throwing rather than a deliberate military attack.
Easily confused with pelt
A pelt is an animal's skin or fur, whereas felt is a textile made from matted fibres.
A pelt is an animal covering or garment, whereas a belt is a strap worn around the waist or used to fasten clothing.