What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cage
Example
The bird was kept in a cage to ensure its safety. [cage: noun]
Example
They caged the wild animal for research purposes. [caged: past tense]
coop
Example
The farmer built a coop for his chickens to keep them safe from predators. [coop: noun]
Example
They cooped up the rabbits in a small enclosure. [cooped: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cage is more commonly used than coop in everyday language. Cage is a versatile term that can refer to various types of animal enclosures, while coop is more specific to poultry housing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cage and coop?
Both cage and coop can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, cage may be more commonly used in formal settings like zoos or scientific research, while coop is more commonly used in informal or agricultural contexts.