Synonyms for

Hen

Verb / hen / Another word for hen — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A female chicken.

Synonyms & similar words

biddy chicken pullet fowl biddy bird rooster cock chick fledgling chickadee chickie clucker poult squab turkey waterfowl broiler capons ducks geese

Synonyms by register

Formal

female fowl laying hen

Informal

bird chick

Literary

pullet biddy

Antonyms

rooster cock male chicken stag capon

Common collocations

  • laying hen
  • broody hen
  • mother hen
  • young hen
  • old hen
  • fat hen
  • clucking hen

Word family

noun hen
adjective henlike

Usage note

While 'hen' specifically refers to a female chicken, it is sometimes used more broadly to refer to any female bird. 'Mother hen' is an idiom for someone who is overprotective.

Example sentences

  1. The hen is a female chicken.
  2. The hen laid an egg.
  3. The farmer put the hen in the coop.
  4. The hen and the rooster are in the barnyard.
  5. The hen is clucking loudly.

Quotes

  • I'm just a regular person who believes life is simple, and I like a simple life. I don't need to be surrounded by luxury to be happy. I'm just happy with a good book and a good hen.
  • A hen is only an egg's way of making another egg.
  • Courage is fear holding on a minute longer. - George S. Patton

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