What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
plume
Example
The peacock's plume is one of the most beautiful in the animal kingdom. [plume: noun]
Example
She wore a hat adorned with a large plume. [plume: noun]
Example
The factory released a plume of smoke into the sky. [plume: noun]
crest
Example
The hiker reached the crest of the mountain and enjoyed the view. [crest: noun]
Example
The surfer rode the crest of the wave towards the shore. [crest: noun]
Example
The rooster's crest was bright red and stood tall on his head. [crest: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Crest is more commonly used than plume in everyday language. Crest has a wider range of contexts and can be used to describe physical features of animals, natural phenomena, and even metaphorical concepts. Plume is less common and is mostly used to describe feathers on birds or for decorative purposes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between plume and crest?
Both plume and crest are relatively formal words, but plume may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with decoration and ornamentation.
