English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word chicken in English

What does chicken mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

chicken

US /ˈtʃɪk.ɪn/
UK /ˈtʃɪk.ɪn/
"chicken" picture

Noun

1.

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

Example:
•
She bought a whole chicken for dinner.
•
The farmer raises chickens for eggs.
Synonym:
fowlpoultry
2.

a person who is a coward

Example:
•
Don't be a chicken, jump in!
•
He was too chicken to ask her out.
Synonym:
cowardscaredy-catwimpfraidy-catchicken-hearted

Verb

1.

to back out of a challenge or dangerous situation due to fear

Example:
•
He was going to jump, but he chickened out at the last minute.
•
Don't chicken out now, we're almost there!
Synonym:
back outbalkflinchrecoilretreat

Adjective

1.

cowardly or timid

Example:
•
That was a really chicken move.
•
He's too chicken to admit his mistake.
Synonym:
cowardlytimidfearfulfaint-heartedpusillanimous
Learn This Word at Lingoland
Related Word:
chicken outchicken wirechicken kiev