What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
chicken
Example
I had grilled chicken for dinner last night. [chicken: noun]
Example
She is too chicken to try bungee jumping. [chicken: adjective]
poultry
Example
We bought some fresh poultry from the market. [poultry: noun]
Example
He works in the poultry industry, managing a chicken farm. [poultry: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Chicken is more commonly used than poultry in everyday language and cooking. It is a familiar word that most people would understand. On the other hand, poultry is more commonly used in formal or technical contexts, such as in the food industry or agriculture.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between chicken and poultry?
While chicken is commonly used in both informal and formal contexts, poultry is generally considered more formal. It is often used in technical or professional settings, such as in the food industry or agricultural discussions.