English Reference
noun · verb

cock

n. · v.
US /ˈkɑk/ UK /kˈɒk/ cock

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.an adult male chicken.

    n.an adult male of the domestic fowl; a rooster.

    Simple

    The cock crowed loudly at dawn, waking everyone on the farm.

    In context

    The farmer kept one prize cock for breeding and several dozen hens for egg production.

    roostercockerel
    hen
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the part of a gun that you pull back before firing.

    n.the hammer of a firearm mechanism that is drawn back to be released by the trigger.

    Simple

    He pulled back the cock of the pistol and prepared to shoot.

    In context

    The antique revolver featured an ornate cock that required significant thumb pressure to set into the firing position.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency VulgarSlang

    n.a vulgar word for the penis.

    n.a vulgar slang term for the penis.

    Simple

    The graffiti on the wall included several drawings of a cock.

    In context

    The comedian's set relied heavily on vulgar shock value, including frequent references to his own cock.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced British EnglishInformalSlang

    n.something that is not true or is complete rubbish.

    n.a term for nonsense, falsehoods, or poor quality information.

    Simple

    Don't listen to him; he's talking a load of cock.

    In context

    The witness's testimony was dismissed by the locals as absolute cock, given his history of exaggeration.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency British EnglishSlangVulgar

    n.a rude word for a man who is stupid or annoying.

    n.a derogatory term for a contemptible or obnoxious male.

    Simple

    Stop acting like a cock and help us with the work.

    In context

    He was widely regarded as a bit of a cock by his colleagues due to his arrogant attitude during meetings.

  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to tilt something, like your head or a hat, to one side.

    v.to tilt or turn something, typically a part of the body or a hat, in a specific direction.

    Simple

    The dog cocked its head when it heard the strange whistling sound.

    In context

    She cocked her eyebrow in disbelief as the salesman continued his unlikely pitch.

  7. 07 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to pull back the hammer of a gun so it is ready to fire.

    v.to set the hammer of a firearm into a position ready for release by the trigger.

    Simple

    You could hear the sound of the soldier cocking his rifle in the silence.

    In context

    The protagonist cocked his weapon with a metallic click that echoed through the empty hallway.

    uncock

When her husband, Archie, appears, a skinny-legged “bantam cock” in a camel coat that indicates “a sleaziness of character”, we know there’s shady business afoot.

The Guardian· 7 Sept 2026

Clark leans back in his chair, cocking his head to the side, while Birtwell stands in a self-assured pose, with her hand planted on her hip.

Smithsonian Magazine· 17 Jun 2026
This entry
Level C2 · Proficiency
Frequency Common
Updated