a domestic fowl kept for its eggs or meat, especially a young one, cowardly

chicken out, count one's chickens before they're hatched, run around like a headless chicken

Formal and Informal Expressions of chicken

In different contexts, you can replace 'chicken' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'poultry' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'bird, fowl' is a commonplace synonym.

chicken: Explore its Definition & Usage

chicken Definition

1a domestic fowl kept for its eggs or meat, especially a young one
2cowardly

Using chicken: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "chicken" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
I had chicken for dinner last night.
Example
She raises chickens on her farm.
Example
Don't be such a chicken!
Example
He's too chicken to try bungee jumping.

chicken Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for chicken

Antonyms for chicken

Phrases with chicken

chicken out
to decide not to do something because you are too scared
Example
I was going to go skydiving, but I chickened out at the last minute.
count one's chickens before they're hatched
to make plans based on events that may not happen
Example
Don't count your chickens before they're hatched. Wait until you know if you've been accepted to the program before you start planning your move.
run around like a headless chicken
to act in a panicked or disorganized way
Example
After the fire alarm went off, everyone was running around like headless chickens trying to find the exit.

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Summary: chicken in Brief

The term 'chicken' [ˈtʃɪkɪn] refers to a domestic fowl raised for its eggs or meat, as well as a colloquial term for someone who is cowardly. Examples include 'She raises chickens on her farm.' and 'Don't be such a chicken!' Phrases like 'chicken out' denote backing out of something due to fear, while 'count one's chickens before they're hatched' warns against making plans based on uncertain events.