chicken

UK: ˈtʃɪkɪn | US: ˈtʃɪkɪn

Definition

  1. n. 1. A domestic fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus) bred for meat and eggs.

  2. n. 2. The meat of this bird used as food.

  3. adj. 3. (Slang) Cowardly; timid.

Structure

No data yet.

Etymology

The word "chicken" traces back to Old English ċycen or ċicen, meaning "young fowl," likely derived from Proto-Germanic kiukīnam (also the source of Dutch kieken and German Küken). The term originally referred specifically to young birds, later generalizing to the species as a whole. Its onomatopoeic roots may mimic the bird’s clucking sounds. The slang sense "cowardly" emerged in the 17th century, metaphorically linking timidity to the bird’s behavior.

Examples

  1. She raises chickens in her backyard for fresh eggs.

  2. We’re having roasted chicken for dinner tonight.

  3. Don’t be such a chicken—try the roller coaster!

  4. The chicken scrambled away when the dog barked.

  5. Chicken soup is a classic remedy for colds.