Meaning

(countable) A domesticated subspecies of red junglefowl (Gallus gallus domesticus)..

Definitions by Sense

1. (countable) A domesticated subspecies of red junglefowl (Gallus gallus domesticus).
2. (uncountable) The meat from this bird eaten as food.
3. (archaic) The young of any bird; a chick.
4. (countable, slang, sometimes derogatory) A coward.
5. (countable, slang, sometimes derogatory) A young or inexperienced person.
6. (countable, Polari) A young, attractive, slim man, usually having little body hair; compare chickenhawk.
7. (uncountable) The game of dare.
8. (preceded by definite article) A simple dance in which the movements of a chicken are imitated.

Example Sentences

backyard chickens

barnyard chickens

Some chickens lay eggs almost every day. […] Chickens are kept for their meat, too.

With egg prices rising, more people may be shopping for their own backyard chicken flock. But before you build a coop and subscribe to Chicken Whisperer, health experts have a warning: Caring for backyard chickens is not as easy as bringing home a cute new kitten, and keeping chickens can come with a handful of serious health risks, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

boneless chicken

tastes like chicken

Amongst thee more harmless reptiles to be found were several lizards and iguanas. The natives killed these and used them for food. The flesh was not despised by explorers, and I was told it tasted exactly like chicken; but, however good it might have been, my courage was not suffcient to enable me to overcome my prejudice against tasting it.

Before cooking chicken, or other poultry, rinse with cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.

Word Forms

• chickens
• more chicken
• most chicken
• chickening
• chickened

Synonyms for chicken

Related Words

When Should You Use Chicken?

Use chicken when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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