hen

noun \ ˈhen \

|Updated on: 15 Aug 2018

Definition of hen

1 a : a female chicken especially over a year old; broadly : a female bird

b : the female of various mostly aquatic animals (such as lobsters or fish)

2 : woman; especially : a fussy middle-aged woman

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Recent Examples of hen from the Web

The yokes are a darker yellow than a typical grocery store egg, Tristan explains, because the hens are pasture-raised and forage for their own bugs and grass rather than being placed on a restricted diet.

— allison bagley, Houston Chronicle, "Young entrepreneurs grow business acumen at farmers’ markets," 13 June 2018
The fondue is a must-order item, along with the fried hen of the woods mushrooms ($11) accompanied by a modern version of onion dip.

— michael bauer, San Francisco Chronicle, "Lazy Bear team ventures into unknown territory with True Laurel," 16 Feb. 2018
Susan Trask appeared with her two daughters at at a recent Crown Point City Council meeting and presented a petition with 280 signatures asking that residents be allowed to own up to four hens on lots less than five acres.

— michelle l. quinn, Post-Tribune, "Crown Point woman asks city council to consider letting her keep chickens 'for food, educational purposes'," 13 July 2018
Although there has been a long-standing debate about Wisconsin's tradition of limiting hunters to one hen mallard in the daily bag limit, the recent survey data supports this conservative measure.

— paul a. smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: As habitat dwindles, duck numbers deserve a close watch," 4 July 2018
As the Glenview Farmers Market kicks off its 30th year, attendees can buy farm-fresh eggs from Historic Wagner Farm’s resident hens for the first time, according to Glenview Park District officials.

— alexandra kukulka, chicagotribune.com, "Glenview Farmers Market — now with fresh eggs — opens for 30th year," 22 June 2018
Before retiring most evenings, Kumse checks on the welfare of his 22 hens.

— phillip morris, cleveland.com, "Priest nearly killed in ambush robbery still bullish on Collinwood: Phillip Morris," 8 Apr. 2018
A decade after voters banned small confinement cages for some farm animals, backers of that law want to transition California away from selling any eggs from hens kept in cages.

— john myers, latimes.com, "California voters will weigh these 12 propositions on November's ballot," 29 June 2018
Break the cycle! Befriend a laying hen or sow (via a backyard flock or a social media–savvy farm) and put down the fork—for now, at least.

— laura regensdorf, Vogue, "This Natalie Portman–Backed Documentary Will Make You Seriously Consider Going Vegetarian," 16 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hen.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of hen

Middle English, from Old English henn; akin to Old English hana rooster — more at chant

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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HEN Defined for English Language Learners

hen

noun

Definition of hen for English Language Learners

: an adult female chicken
: a female bird of any kind

HEN Defined for Kids

hen

noun \ ˈhen \

Definition of hen for Students

1 : a female domestic fowl

2 : a female bird

Learn More about hen

See words that rhyme with hen Spanish Central: Translation of hen Nglish: Translation of hen for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of hen for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hen

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hen

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