hen

noun

ˈhen 

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

Examples of hen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The sanctuary is home to 64 animals — 13 cows, 11 goats, two sheep and many roosters and hens. —Sabrina Bodon, Sacramento Bee, 30 May 2024

The hardstone animals, none of which measure more than three inches in height or length, include a hen with gold feet, an agate owl, a whimsical quartz pig and an upside-down frog performing a handstand while smiling. —Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 May 2024

At the same time, more than 81,000 commercial turkey meat birds and breeder hens were also hit in Minnesota. —Li Cohen, CBS News, 29 May 2024

Proposed by the Humane Society, the measure set quality of life standards for pregnant pigs, veal calves and egg-laying hens for the products to be sold in California. —Daniel Desrochers, Kansas City Star, 24 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing hen

• Cornish game hen
• Cornish hen
• game hen
• hazel hen
• heath hen
• hen and chickens
• hen night
• hen of the wood
• hen of the woods
• hen party
• hen track
• marsh hen
• mother hen
• Rock Cornish game hen
• Rock Cornish hen
• tappit hen
• water hen

Kids Definition

hen

noun

ˈhen 

1

: a female chicken especially over a year old

2

: a female of any bird