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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.

hen

/hɛn/ /hɛn/

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.

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