Hen

/hɛn/

Meaning & Definition

noun

An adult female chicken, especially one that is kept for laying eggs.

The farmer collects eggs from the hen every morning.

A term used in some contexts to refer to a female of certain other birds or animals.

The hen sparrow built her nest in the eaves of the house.

Colloquially, a term of endearment for a woman or a girl.

She greeted her friend with a cheerful, 'How are you, hen?'

Middle English 'hen', from Old English 'hǣn', of Germanic origin.

henpecked

A man who is controlled by or submissive to his wife or girlfriend.

henhouse

A building for domestic chickens.

mother hen

A woman who is overly protective or nurturing.

cock

An adult male chicken.

chick

A young chicken.

poultry

Domestic fowl raised for food.

A derogatory term for a woman.

He called her a hen for being so overly cautious.

A close female friend, often used in a jovial context.

She's my hen; we do everything together.