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

In Greektown, Table No. 2 three-course meal is $55, featuring a northern Michigan salad, roasted Cornish hen (there's a vegetarian option), and a chocolate torte for dessert. —Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 17 Oct. 2024

Rather, market efficiency drove prices up in response to an unprecedented wave of avian flu that caused the unfortunate loss of 100 million hens and a third of the U.S. egg supply. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2024

With a basket in hand, Ollie reached a brave hand under a hen and pulled out a perfect egg. —Peden+munk, New York Times, 26 Sep. 2024

Smithsonian magazine is correct that on Oct. 5, 1933, the L.A. Times published a brief on the subject ... with a cartoon featuring a hen trying to stay cool while two sweating men discuss egg — and chicken — frying. —Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 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