hen

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. the female of any kind of bird.

n. the female of any avian species, particularly within the order Galliformes.

Español:ave hembra

“The hen pheasant is much less colourful than the male bird.”

“Ornithologists observed the hen returning to the nest while the male remained on guard nearby.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Dialect · Informal

n. a friendly way to talk to a woman or girl, used mainly in Scotland.

n. an informal and affectionate term of address for a female.

“Don't worry about the rain, hen, the bus will be here soon.”

“In Glasgow, it is common for shopkeepers to address female customers as 'hen' regardless of their age.”

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun British English · Informal

n. a party for a woman who is about to get married.

n. a social gathering or party held for a woman shortly before her wedding; a shortening of 'hen night' or 'hen party'.

“She is going to Blackpool this weekend for her sister's hen.”

“The restaurant was filled with several lively groups, including a large hen wearing matching pink sashes.”