Coop: meaning, definitions and examples

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coop

 

[ kuːp ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

farming context

A coop, or chicken coop, is a shelter for poultry, particularly chickens. It is designed to protect them from predators, extreme weather, and other threats. Coops are typically enclosed and have nesting boxes for the hens to lay their eggs. Some coops may also have a run, allowing chickens to roam outside while remaining safe. In addition to chickens, coops can sometimes be used for other small birds or animals.

Synonyms

chicken house, henhouse, poultry shelter

Examples of usage

  • The chickens spend their nights in the coop.
  • We built a coop to keep our hens safe.
  • Make sure to clean the coop regularly.
  • The coop was designed to be predator-proof.
Context #2 | Verb

informal context

To coop someone up means to confine or restrict them to a small space, often leading to feelings of frustration or restlessness. This term is commonly used in informal contexts when someone is not allowed to go out or is kept indoors for an extended period. Cooping someone up might be done for various reasons, including safety concerns or when an individual is feeling unwell.

Synonyms

confine, restrict, trap

Examples of usage

  • I felt cooped up after staying indoors all weekend.
  • The rain cooped us up in the house.
  • Don’t coop the kids up; let them play outside.
  • He was cooped up in the office for too long.

Translations

Translations of the word "coop" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cooperação

🇮🇳 सहयोग

🇩🇪 Kooperation

🇮🇩 kerja sama

🇺🇦 співпраця

🇵🇱 współpraca

🇯🇵 協力

🇫🇷 coopération

🇪🇸 cooperación

🇹🇷 işbirliği

🇰🇷 협력

🇸🇦 تعاون

🇨🇿 spolupráce

🇸🇰 spolupráca

🇨🇳 合作

🇸🇮 sodelovanje

🇮🇸 samvinna

🇰🇿 ынтымақтастық

🇬🇪 თანამშრომლობა

🇦🇿 əməkdaşlıq

🇲🇽 cooperación

Etymology

The word 'coop' is derived from the Middle English 'coupe,' which comes from the Old French 'coup,' meaning 'a cage' or 'enclosure.' This term can be traced back further to the Latin 'cupa,' which refers to a tub or container. Initially, 'coop' was primarily associated with various types of enclosures, including those for animals and birds. Over time, the term became specifically linked to housing for chickens, reflecting the practice of domestic poultry farming that grew in popularity. The figurative use of 'to coop up' someone in a limited space evolved later, drawing from the idea of confinement that comes with a physical coop. The dual meanings of the word illustrate the flexibility of English in adapting terms for various contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,505, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.