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Meaning & use

hens

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/henz/
US/henz/

“hens” is a form of “hen”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. nounplural

    Plural of hen: adult female chickens, especially those kept for eggs.

    Grammar: Always plural; the singular is 'hen'. Use with plural verbs: 'The hens are laying.'

    Patterns

    • hens lay eggs
    • keep hens
    • a flock of hens

    The farmer keeps twenty hens for their eggs.

    The hens are scratching in the yard.

    We bought three hens and a rooster.

  2. nounpluraltechnical

    Plural of hen: female birds of various species, especially when distinguished from males.

    Grammar: Used mainly in biology or birdwatching; singular 'hen'. Often with species name: 'hen harriers'.

    Patterns

    • female hen
    • hen of a species

    The male pheasant is brightly colored, while the hens are brown.

    Only the hens incubate the eggs.

Common combinations

hens and chicks
The garden had a corner with hens and chicks.
battery hens
Battery hens are kept in small cages.
free-range hens
Free-range hens can go outside.

Synonyms and how they differ

chickens
More general; can refer to both males and females, while 'hens' is specifically female.
fowl
A broader term for birds, often used in farming or cooking; less specific than 'hens'.

Opposites

roosterscocks

Word family

hen noun
Singular form: an adult female chicken or other bird.
henhouse noun
A building where hens are kept.
henpecked adjective
Informal, often disapproving: (of a man) constantly criticized by his wife or partner.

Commonly confused: hens or hans?

hens vs hans

A male given name, not related to birds. 'Hens' is the plural of 'hen'.

Practice

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