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chicken
/ˈtʃɪk.ɪn/
domestic bird
We raised chickens in our backyard.
We kept domestic birds for eggs and meat.
formal
A common domestic bird (Gallus gallus domesticus) raised for meat and eggs.
The farmer sells fresh eggs from his chickens.
The farmer sells eggs produced by his domestic birds.
Plural form is 'chickens'. Also used collectively (e.g., 'a flock of chickens').
informal
The meat of this bird, used as food.
I'll have chicken for dinner.
I'll eat the meat of this bird for dinner.
Often used in cooking contexts. Can be grilled, fried, roasted, etc.
informal
A person who is easily frightened or avoids danger.
Don't be such a chicken! Jump in!
Don't be so easily frightened! Take the risk!
Derived from the bird's perceived timidity. Often used playfully or teasingly.
Collocations
chicken soupa soup made with chicken brothfried chickenchicken cooked by fryingchicken poxa contagious viral disease causing itchy rashcount your chickensplan based on assumed success (proverb)
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Pluralization
The plural of 'chicken' is 'chickens' when referring to multiple birds. For meat, use 'chicken' as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'I bought three chickens' vs. 'I bought chicken for dinner').
Gold Rule
Context matters
Use 'chicken' for the bird or its meat. Use 'hen' for female birds, 'rooster' for males, and 'poultry' for the general category.
Word Origin
From Old English 'cicen', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'kiek' and German 'Küken' (chick).
Usage Notes
The term 'chicken' can refer to the bird itself or its meat. In informal contexts, it may describe a cowardly person. Avoid using the cowardly sense in formal writing.
Word Breakdown
chick
young bird
root-en
suffix forming nouns
suffixEnglish Dictionary