Rhode Island Red

noun

: any of a U.S. breed of general-purpose domestic chickens having a long heavy body, smooth yellow or reddish legs, and rich brownish-red plumage

Examples of Rhode Island Red in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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In the 2026 food awards, highlighting the top food halls, food cruises, farmers markets and more from across the country, Rhode Island Red Food Tours ranked tenth in the best food tour category. Catherine Messier, The Providence Journal, 22 Apr. 2026 Gift them a dinner to their fave RI eatery (glean some ideas here) or give them the taste of Rhode Island with a Rhode Island Red Food Tour. Lauren Daley, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Dec. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Rhode Island, U.S. state

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Rhode Island Red was in 1893

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rhode Island Red.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Rhode%20Island%20Red. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

Rhode Island Red

noun
Rhode Is·​land Red
rō-ˌdī-lən(d)-
: any of a U.S. breed of domestic chickens with rich brownish red feathers

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