fowl

¹fowl

noun \ˈfau̇(-ə)l\

plural fowl or fowls

Definition of FOWL

1

: a bird of any kind — compare waterfowl, wildfowl

2

a : a cock or hen of the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus); especially : an adult hen

b : any of several domesticated or wild gallinaceous birds — compare guinea fowl, jungle fowl

3

: the meat of fowls used as food

Examples of FOWL

1. I spotted a long-legged fowl by the water's edge.

Origin of FOWL

Middle English foul, from Old English fugel; akin to Old High German fogal bird, and probably to Old English flēogan to fly — more at fly

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Birds Terms

aerie, bunting, clutch, covey, hackle, ratite, rictus, ruff, skein, zygodactyl

²fowl

intransitive verb

Definition of FOWL

: to seek, catch, or kill wildfowl

— fowl·er noun

First Known Use of FOWL

before 12th century

Other Hunting and Fishing Terms

chum, covert, creel, flense, pitfall, seine, skulk, spoor, trawl

Rhymes with FOWL

cowl, dowel, foul, growl, howl, jowl, prowl, rowel, scowl, towel, trowel, yowl