ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hen

n. countable
A1 Beginner US //ˈhɛn// UK //hˈɛn// hen Archaic Dialect Informal Vulgar
Definition

n. a female chicken. You use this word when talking about the bird that lays eggs, as opposed to a rooster.

n. an adult female chicken, typically kept for egg production or meat. Distinct from the male rooster and the young chick.


SIMPLE

The hen lays an egg every morning.

CONTEXTUAL

We keep a small flock of hens in the backyard for fresh eggs.

COMPLEX

The broody hen sat motionless on her nest, fiercely guarding the developing embryos from any potential predators.

Idioms1 entry

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