A shuttlecock is a feathered projectile used in the sport of badminton. It consists of a conical arrangement of feathers attached to a cork base, which helps it fly in a stable manner. The design allows it to travel quickly and accurately, making it essential for gameplay. Shuttlecocks come in various types, with differences in feather quality and weight. The most common type is made from 16 feathers, but there are also synthetic options available. Players use a racket to hit the shuttlecock over a net, aiming to score points by landing it in the opponent's court.