fowl

/faʊl/
nounIntermediate domestic bird raised for food
general

A domestic bird, especially one raised for food, such as chicken, turkey, or duck.

For Thanksgiving, they prepared a roasted fowl with stuffing.

Here, 'fowl' refers to a turkey or similar bird used in the meal.

The market sells a variety of fowl, including quail and pheasant.

This indicates different types of birds available for purchase.

💡

The term is often used in culinary and agricultural contexts.

hunting

Wild birds, especially those hunted for sport or food.

The hunter bagged several fowl during the season.

This refers to wild birds such as geese or ducks that were hunted.

💡

In this context, 'fowl' may include game birds like grouse or partridge.

Collocations

waterfowlbirds that live near or in water, such as ducks and geesegame fowlbirds hunted for sport or food, such as pheasants and quaildomestic fowlbirds raised by humans for food, such as chickens and turkeys

Antonyms

Related Phrases

fowl playidiom
dishonest or unfair behavior
fowl and gamephrase
birds hunted for food or sport

💡Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal Usage

Use 'fowl' in formal or technical contexts, such as cooking or farming. In everyday speech, more specific terms like 'chicken' or 'duck' are often preferred.

Gold Rule

Avoid Confusion

Do not confuse 'fowl' with 'foul,' which means offensive or unpleasant.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'fugel,' from Old English 'fugl,' meaning 'bird,' from Proto-Germanic '*fuglaz,' related to Old Norse 'fugl.'

📝Usage Notes

The term 'fowl' is often used in formal or technical contexts, such as cooking or farming. In everyday speech, people may use more specific terms like 'chicken' or 'duck.'

Word Breakdown

fowl
bird, especially one raised for food
root
English Dictionary