Hen - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A hen is a female bird, especially a domesticated chicken, known for laying eggs. Hens are often raised on farms for their eggs and meat. They are social animals that live in groups.
Definition:
A female bird, especially a domestic chicken.
Synonyms:
chicken, fowl, poultry, layer
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
rooster, cock
Common Collocations:
hen house, hen party, hen coop, broody hen
Derivatives:
henlike, henpecked
Usage Tips:
Use "hen" for female chickens; avoid for wild birds unless specified (e.g., "guinea hen").
Common Phrases:
mad as a wet hen, hen party, henpecked husband
Etymology:
Old English "henn," from Proto-Germanic *hanjō, related to "hana" (rooster).
Examples:
- 1. The brown hen laid five eggs yesterday.
- 2. She keeps a small flock of hens in her backyard.
- 3. The farmer fed the hens corn every morning.
- 4. Hens clucked loudly when the fox approached.
- 5. We collected fresh eggs from the hens daily.