Word: Hen

Pronunciation

/hɛn/

Definitions

• Noun: A mature female bird of any domestic fowl, especially a chicken. For example: “The farmer collected eggs from the henhouse every morning.”
  • Also used metaphorically, often referring to an older woman, particularly one who is considered bossy or meddlesome. For example: “She’s the bossy hen of the group, always telling everyone what to do.”

Phrases

• “Mother hen”: A term used to describe someone who is overly protective or nurturing, like a mother caring for her chicks.
• “Hen party” or “bachelorette party”: A gathering of women celebrating a bride-to-be before her wedding.

Example Sentences

• Noun (animal): “The farm was home to several hens and a proud rooster.”
• Metaphorical usage: “Despite being the youngest in the family, she often acted like the mother hen, looking after all her siblings.”

Synonyms

• Chicken (female)
• Fowl (female)
• Cock’s mate
• Brood mare (informal metaphorical use)