A hen is usuallymost often; in the normal or expected way an adult female chicken. The word can also referto mean or point to something as its name to a female bird more generally, the female of some sea animals, or the meat from an older chicken used for stewingcooking slowly in liquid for a long time.
Hen Meaning
a female chicken that is fully grown
Part of speech: noun
Definition: an adult female chicken
Example: The hen laid an egg in the nesting box.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- biddy — A valid but less common, somewhat old-fashioned synonym for a hen.
Other Meanings of Hen
Meaning 2
a female bird that is fully grown
Part of speech: noun
Definition: an adult female bird
Example: In some farming contexts, hen can mean any adult female bird.
Meaning 3
the female animal in some species of shellfish or other sea animals
Part of speech: noun
Definition: the female of certain aquatic animals, such as an octopus or lobster
Example: A hen lobster carries eggs under its tail.
Meaning 4
meat from an older chicken, often cooked slowly
Part of speech: noun
Definition: flesh of an older chicken suitable for stewing
Example: She used hen to make a rich stew.
Hen Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- biddy
Common Mistakes
- People sometimes confuse hen with chicken, but a hen specifically means a female chicken or, in some contexts, a female bird.
- Hen can also mean the meat from an older chicken, which is a different sense from the bird itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does hen mean?
Hen most commonly means an adult female chicken. It can also be used for the female of some other birds, certain aquatic animals, or for the meat of an older chicken used in stewing.
What are the synonyms of hen?
The main synonym provided for hen is biddy, but it is less common and a bit old-fashioned.
Is hen the same as chicken?
Not exactly. A hen is a female chicken, while chicken can refer to the species, a young bird, or the meat in general.