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Hen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hen

[hษ›n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

animal

A domesticated fowl kept for its eggs or meat, especially a young one.

Synonyms

chicken, poultry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hen

Typically refers to an adult female chicken. Used in contexts relating to farming, poultry raising, or birdwatching.

  • The hen laid three eggs this morning.
  • We have a hen in the coop.
chicken

Can refer to both the bird and its meat. Commonly used in culinary contexts or when talking about the bird in general.

  • I am making fried chicken for dinner.
  • The chicken ran across the road.
poultry

A general term for domesticated birds raised for meat or eggs. Often used in agricultural, commercial, or culinary contexts.

  • The farm specializes in organic poultry.
  • Poultry production has increased this year.

Examples of usage

  • They had roast chicken for dinner.
  • She is raising several hens in her backyard.
  • The farmer collected the eggs from the henhouse.
  • The hen clucked happily after laying an egg.
  • The hen and her chicks pecked at the ground for food.
Context #2 | Noun

woman

A female bird, especially of a domestic fowl.

Synonyms

female bird.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hen

This word is typically used to refer specifically to an adult female chicken, especially in a domestic or farm setting. It is often used in agricultural, culinary, or casual contexts.

  • The hen laid an egg this morning.
  • We have five hens and two roosters on our farm.
female bird

This phrase is more general and can be used in scientific or observational contexts to refer to any bird that is female, not just chickens.

  • The researcher noted that the female bird was caring for her chicks.
  • In many species, the coloring of the female bird is less vibrant than that of the male.

Examples of usage

  • The hen sat on her eggs to keep them warm.
  • The hen led her chicks to safety.
  • The mother hen protected her chicks from predators.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Hens symbolize fertility and motherhood in many cultures, often seen in festivals and celebrations.
  • In ancient Egypt, they were revered and kept as sacred animals, believed to bring good luck.

Science

  • Hens are social creatures and often have a complex pecking order within their flocks.
  • They lay eggs that can vary in color, most commonly brown or white, influenced by their breed.

Pop Culture

  • Hens have become iconic in childrenโ€™s stories and cartoons, often depicted as comical characters in various media.
  • The phrase 'Don't count your chickens before they hatch' stems from the unpredictability of how many eggs will turn into chicks.

Agriculture

  • Hens are crucial in poultry farming, providing a significant source of protein through their eggs.
  • Free-range hens often yield healthier eggs compared to those kept in confinement, as they have space to roam.

Origin of 'hen'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'hen' comes from the Old English word 'hรฆnne', which has roots in the Germanic languages.
  • In various languages, the term for hen varies slightly, showing its importance in different culturesโ€”like 'gallina' in Spanish.

The word 'hen' has Old English origins, with the meaning of a female bird or domestic fowl. Over time, it has evolved to refer specifically to a female chicken. Hens have been domesticated for thousands of years, providing eggs and meat for human consumption. They play a crucial role in agriculture and are often raised in henhouses or free-range settings. The term 'hen' is commonly used in farming communities and households to refer to female chickens.

See also: hence.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,059 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.