poultry

noun

poul·​try ˈpōl-trē 

: domesticated birds kept for eggs or meat

Examples of poultry in a Sentence

This wine goes well with poultry.

Recent Examples on the Web

Featuring fish, poultry, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, this diet is rich in plants, lean meats and gets most of its fat from extra-virgin olive oil. —Hunter Boyce, AJC.com, 21 Jan. 2026

The case, filed in 2005 by then-Attorney General Drew Edmondson, accused some of the nation’s largest poultry companies of contaminating the Illinois River Watershed (a river system in northeastern Oklahoma, not to be confused with the Illinois River that runs through the state of Illinois). —Juan Vassallo, Oklahoman, 16 Jan. 2026

The pyramid also recommends whole foods such as meats, poultry, eggs, omega-3-rich seafoods, nuts, seeds, olives and avocados. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 16 Jan. 2026

While outbreaks can be economically and operationally severe for poultry producers, public health officials emphasize that the overall risk to humans remains low. —Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pultrie, from Anglo-French pulletrie, from pulleter poulterer, from pullet chicken — more at pullet

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

poultry

noun

poul·​try ˈpōl-trē 

: domesticated birds kept for eggs or meat

Etymology

Middle English pultrie "fowl raised for food," from early French pulletrie (same meaning), from pulleter "one who raises poultry," from pullet "chicken" — related to pullet