Meaning & Definition of word "Chicken"
to
Chicken
/ˈtʃɪkɪn/
noun:
- 1. A domestic fowl bred for food, especially for its flesh or eggs.
- Example: I bought a whole chicken to roast for dinner.
- 2. The flesh of a chicken used as food.
- Example: I prefer to eat grilled chicken salad for lunch.
- 3. A cowardly person.
- Example: Don't be such a chicken; just ask her out!
verb:
- 1. To flinch from or to show fear about something.
- Example: He chickened out of the skydiving trip at the last minute.
Etymology
Middle English 'chikene', from Old English 'cicċe'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
chicken out:
To decide not to do something because of fear.
like a chicken with its head cut off:
In a confused or frantic state.
hold your chickens:
To be patient; wait.
scaredy-cat:
A person who is timid or cowardly.
Related Words
rooster:
A male chicken.
hen:
A female chicken.
poultry:
Domestic birds raised for food.
Slang Meanings of chicken
Meaning: A coward.
Example Sentence: He's such a chicken for not going to the party.
Meaning: An inexperienced person.
Example Sentence: She's a chicken when it comes to driving on the highway.