Pronunciation

/broʊd/

Definitions

Noun

A brood refers to:

1. A group of offspring, especially young birds or insects, that are being cared for by their parents: “The birds were busy brooding over their newly hatched brood.”
2. A period of time during which someone sits on eggs to incubate them, typically by birds: “The mother hen was brooding over her eggs in the nest.”

Verb

To brood means:

1. To sit thoughtfully or with deep concern, often over a problem or loss: “After the breakup, she spent months brooding over the past relationship.”
2. (Transitive) To hatch or incubate (eggs): “The chickens were brooding their eggs for the next generation.”

Adjective

Brooding can describe:

1. Characterized by introspection or gloomy thoughts: “A brooding atmosphere hung over the dark forest.”
2. Intent on brooding over something: “He had a brooding expression on his face.”

Phrases

• “Brood over” implies to dwell on or ponder intensively.
• “She’s brooding because she’s upset.”
• “The old owl was perched on a branch, brooding silently.”

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The nest contained several eggs, waiting for the mother bird to brood over them.”
• Verb: “After losing her job, she retreated to her room, brooding over her future.”
• Adjective: “The brooding clouds indicated an approaching storm.”

Synonyms

• Parental care
• Incubation
• Mournful
• Reflective
• Pensive