noun
chicken
CHIH-kihn
noun
1
A common domesticated bird raised for its eggs and meat.
"They keep six chickens in a coop behind the house."
2
The meat of this bird, eaten as food.
"We grilled chicken and vegetables for dinner."
"The soup was made with chicken stock and fresh herbs."
3
(informal) A cowardly person.
"Don't be such a chicken — just ask her to dance!"
adj
1
(informal) Cowardly; afraid to do something.
"He felt chicken about confronting his boss."
verb
1
(informal, usually with "out") To back out of something through fear.
"She chickened out of the bungee jump at the last second."
How to Use Chicken
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe everyday farmyard bird and its meat, plus an informal sense meaning "coward" or "to lose your nerve."
Common mistake
As a verb, it's almost always used with "out" — "chicken out," not just "chicken."
Common pairings
chicken out
roast chicken
chicken and rice
don't be a chicken
Word Forms
more chicken comparative, chickened past tense, chickens plural, chickens singular, most chicken superlative
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Etymology
From Old English ċicen, of uncertain deeper origin, possibly related to "cock." The "coward" meaning is a much later figurative extension.