Poultry: meaning, definitions and examples

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poultry

[ˈpəʊltri ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

farm animals

Poultry refers to domestic birds that are raised for their meat and eggs. This includes chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese. Poultry farming is a common practice worldwide due to the high demand for poultry products.

Synonyms

domestic birds, fowl.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
poultry	Frequently used in culinary and commercial contexts, referring to birds like chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese that are raised for their meat and eggs. The supermarket has a wide selection of poultry products. She seasoned the poultry before roasting it in the oven.
fowl	Common in both everyday speech and literature, it refers to birds, particularly those that are domesticated or wild game birds. It can sometimes carry a more rural or archaic tone. He went hunting for waterfowl by the lake. Fowl such as chickens and turkeys are common on farms.
domestic birds	Used to describe birds that are kept in homes or farms for companionship or agricultural purposes. This term encompasses a broad range of birds, including pet birds and farm birds. She has a passion for raising domestic birds like chickens and ducks. Domestic birds require specific care and attention.

Word

Description / Examples

poultry

Frequently used in culinary and commercial contexts, referring to birds like chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese that are raised for their meat and eggs.

The supermarket has a wide selection of poultry products.
She seasoned the poultry before roasting it in the oven.

fowl

Common in both everyday speech and literature, it refers to birds, particularly those that are domesticated or wild game birds. It can sometimes carry a more rural or archaic tone.

He went hunting for waterfowl by the lake.
Fowl such as chickens and turkeys are common on farms.

domestic birds

Used to describe birds that are kept in homes or farms for companionship or agricultural purposes. This term encompasses a broad range of birds, including pet birds and farm birds.

She has a passion for raising domestic birds like chickens and ducks.
Domestic birds require specific care and attention.

Examples of usage

She raises poultry on her farm for extra income.
The supermarket sells a variety of poultry products, such as chicken and turkey.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin word 'pullus,' meaning a young animal, which has evolved through Old French into modern English.
In medieval times, the term referred more generally to any young animal but evolved to specifically reference domesticated birds.
The use of 'poultry' in English became popular around the 14th century.

Culinary Arts

Poultry is a key ingredient in many cultures, appearing in dishes from chicken tikka masala in India to coq au vin in France.
The global poultry industry accounts for over 50% of the total meat consumption worldwide.
Dishes like fried chicken, roast turkey, and duck à l'orange showcase the versatility of poultry in culinary traditions.

Agricultural Significance

Raising poultry is one of the most common forms of animal husbandry, providing families with a sustainable food source.
Poultry farming contributes significantly to the economy of many countries, especially in rural areas.
Innovations in breeding have led to faster growth rates and improved feed efficiency, making poultry a vital source of protein.

Health and Nutrition

Poultry is a lean source of protein and is often recommended for a healthy diet due to its lower fat content compared to red meats.
It is rich in essential nutrients like B vitamins and selenium, which play a role in metabolism and immune function.
Cooking poultry properly is important to avoid foodborne illnesses, making safe food handling practices essential.

Cultural Traditions

In many cultures, festive meals include roast poultry, such as turkey during Thanksgiving in the United States.
Certain rituals and ceremonies across different cultures celebrate the raising and consumption of poultry, symbolizing abundance.
Poultry also appears frequently in folklore and literature, often associated with home and comfort.

Translations

Translations of the word "poultry" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aves de capoeira

🇮🇳 पोल्ट्री

🇩🇪 Geflügel

🇮🇩 unggas

🇺🇦 птиця

🇵🇱 drób

🇯🇵 家禽 (かきん)

🇫🇷 volaille

🇪🇸 aves de corral

🇹🇷 kümes hayvanları

🇰🇷 가금류 (gagumnyu)

🇸🇦 دواجن

🇨🇿 drůbež

🇸🇰 hydina

🇨🇳 家禽 (jiāqín)

🇸🇮 perutnina

🇮🇸 fuglakjöt

🇰🇿 құс еті

🇬🇪 ფრინველი (prinveli)

🇦🇿 quş əti

🇲🇽 aves de corral

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,364 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5361 demanding
5362 keys
5363 gospel
5364 poultry
5365 computation
5366 exit
5367 shifting
...