Cock: meaning, definitions and examples

Common in British English, it refers to an adult male chicken. Be cautious, as it can also have a vulgar meaning related to male anatomy.

• The cock crowed at dawn
• / Be wary of using 'cock' in mixed company due to its other meaning

A second use of 'cock' is to describe the action of preparing a firearm or a crossbow to be fired. This usage is more technical and specific to weaponry.

• He cocked the rifle and took aim
• The sound of a cocked gun made everyone nervous

Use 'clamp' when referring to a device used to hold objects tightly together to prevent movement or separation. It is commonly used in construction, woodworking, and mechanical contexts.

• He used a clamp to hold the pieces of wood together while the glue dried
• The mechanic tightened the clamp to secure the hose

The term 'fastener' is a general word used for any hardware device that mechanically joins or affixes two or more objects together. It is a broad term encompassing screws, bolts, nails, and other similar items.

• We need to buy more fasteners for the construction project
• The fasteners on the shelves were loose and needed tightening

This word is often used in slang to describe a confident and sometimes aggressive person. It can have a positive or neutral connotation in informal settings but can be offensive if used inappropriately.

• He's got the cockiness of a young athlete ready to prove himself.
• Don't be such a cock; listen to other people's ideas.

This phrase is used to describe someone who has an exaggerated sense of their own importance or abilities. It is typically negative and used in formal or neutral settings.

• The new manager is an arrogant person who refuses to listen to anyone else.
• I don't like working with arrogant people; they make the team environment toxic.

This word is used to describe someone who is excessively conceited or self-absorbed. It has a negative connotation and is often used in general or informal contexts.

• He's such an egotist, always talking about his own accomplishments.
• Dealing with an egotist can be exhausting, as they hardly show interest in others.

Redundant entry, see entry for 'cock'.

Commonly used to describe the action of causing something to lean or slant to one side. Usually neutral and applicable in everyday situations involving changing the orientation of objects.

• He tilted the chair back and forth while thinking.
• The picture was slightly tilted, so she adjusted it.

Used to describe the position or direction of an object or viewpoint, often in reference to adjusting or examining it for a specific perspective.

• She angled the mirror to get a better view of her hair.
• The photographer angled his camera to capture the sunset perfectly.