hen

n. a female chicken that is old enough to lay eggs.

n. a sexually mature female chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus).

“The farmer collected six fresh eggs from the hen this morning.”

“The free-range hens spent the afternoon scratching at the soil in search of insects and seeds.”

n. the female of any kind of bird.

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

“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.”

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.”

Dialect · 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.”

British English · Informal