Meaning & Definition of word "Henhouse"

Henhouse

/ˈhɛnˌhaʊs/

noun:

  • 1. A shelter for hens, typically found on a farm, where they can lay eggs and be protected from predators.
    • Example: The farmer built a new henhouse to keep his chickens safe from the cold weather.
  • 2. A structure designed specifically for the accommodation of poultry, primarily hens.
    • Example: Each henhouse on the farm can hold up to fifty birds comfortably.
  • 3. A place where hens can roam freely during the day and return to a secure shelter at night.
    • Example: The hens enjoyed their time in the yard but always returned to the henhouse before sunset.

Etymology

The term arises from 'hen', a female chicken, and 'house', a structure for living.

Common Phrases and Expressions

locked in the henhouse:

A situation where too many have entered or are tied to a commitment with no easy exit.

Related Words

coop:

A small shelter for poultry.

poultry:

Domestic fowl raised for meat or eggs, primarily chickens.

Slang Meanings of henhouse

Meaning: A place where a lot of clucking happens, metaphorically indicating gossip or chatter.

Example Sentence: The office has turned into a real henhouse with all the gossip floating around.

Meaning: Referring to a chaotic or uncontrolled environment.

Example Sentence: After the kids arrived, the house turned into a henhouse.