Chicken
/ˈtʃɪkɪn/
Definitions
2 meaningsA young domestic fowl, especially a Gallus gallus domesticus, raised for its meat and eggs.
/ˈtʃɪkɪn/
A domesticated fowl
The chicken crossed the road.
💡 Simply: A chicken is like a bird that we keep on farms. We eat their eggs and meat!
👶 For kids: A chicken is a bird that gives us eggs and yummy meat!
More Examples
We had fried chicken for lunch.
How It's Used
"We're having roast chicken for dinner."
"The farmer raises chickens for eggs and meat."
A person who is easily frightened or lacks courage.
/ˈtʃɪkɪn/
A cowardly person
He was too chicken to tell her the truth.
💡 Simply: Someone who is a 'chicken' is scared and doesn't want to do something brave.
👶 For kids: A chicken is someone who is scared to do things.
How It's Used
"Don't be such a chicken; go on the roller coaster!"
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
chicken out
To lose one's nerve and decide not to do something.
"He chickened out of the skydiving trip."
From Old English *cicen, diminutive of *cocc, 'cock'. The word's evolution reflects its association with young domestic fowl.
The word 'chicken' has been used to describe a cowardly person since at least the 19th century.
Memory tip
Think of 'chick' - a baby bird.
Word Origin
"Diminutive of 'cock'"