fowl

1 of 2

noun

ˈfau̇(-ə)l 

plural fowl or fowls

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 (see domesticate entry 1 sense 2) or wild gallinaceous birds compare guinea fowl, jungle fowl

3

: the meat of fowls used as food

roasted fowl

fowl

2 of 2

verb

fowled; fowling; fowls

intransitive verb

: to seek, catch, or kill wildfowl

Examples of fowl in a Sentence

Noun

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Residents who want to own chickens, rabbits or other small animals and live less than 100-feet from their neighbors can apply for a special exemption permit for fowl and small animals. —Bella Waters, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025

In an article published on Thursday, June 26, Noel Colon of Staten Island spoke to SI Live after Blink security cameras caught the large bird exhibiting fowl behavior in his driveway. —Angel Saunders, People.com, 1 July 2025

Velour banners with artwork of fish, fowl and fauna hang from the tall ceilings of a lower seating area connected to the cafeteria. —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 22 Apr. 2025

The Wisconsin-Whitewater commit does much more than organize fowl play. —Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

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

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fowl

• jungle fowl
• neither fish nor fowl

Rhymes for fowl

• foul
• foule
• growl
• howl
• jowl
• owl
• prowl
• scowl
• afoul
• wildfowl
• waterfowl

Kids Definition

fowl

1 of 2 noun

ˈfau̇(ə)l 

plural fowl or fowls

1

: bird entry 1 sense 1: as

a

: a domestic cock or hen

especially : a full-grown hen

b

: any of several domesticated or wild birds related to the common domestic chicken

2

: the meat of fowl used as food

fowl

2 of 2 verb

: to hunt, catch, or kill wildfowl

fowler noun