Definition of 'fowl'
Word forms: fowlslanguage note: Fowl can also be used as the plural form.
countable noun
A fowl is a bird, especially one that can be eaten as food, such as a duck or a chicken.
Synonyms: poultry More Synonyms of fowl
COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Word Frequency
fowl in American English
nounWord forms: plural fowls or fowl
1.
any bird
now only in combination wildfowl
2.
any of various domestic birds used as food
; specif.,a.
the chicken
c.
a full-grown chicken, as distinguished from a springer, etc.
3.
the flesh of any of these birds used for food
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Derived forms
fowler (ˈfowler)
noun
fowling (ˈfowling)
noun
Word origin
ME foule, foghel < OE fugol, akin to Ger vogel, bird < Gmc *fuglaz, altered by dissimulation < *fluglaz < *flug-, *fleug- < IE *pleuk- > fly1Word Frequency
fowl in American Englishesp collectively
(faul) (noun plural fowls, fowl)
noun
2.
any of several other, usually gallinaceous, birds that are barnyard, domesticated, or wild, as the duck, turkey, or pheasant
3. (in market and household use)
4.
the flesh or meat of a domestic fowl
5. (used chiefly in combination)
any bird
waterfowl
wildfowl
Most material © 2005, 1997, 1991 by Penguin Random House LLC. Modified entries © 2019
by Penguin Random House LLC and HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
Word origin
[bef. 900; ME foul, OE fugol, fugel; c. OS fugal, Goth fugls, OHG fogal (G Vogel)]Word Frequency
fowl in British English
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Word origin
Old English fugol; related to Old Frisian fugel, Old Norse fogl, Gothic fugls, Old High German fogalExamples of 'fowl' in a sentence
fowl
These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…
Word lists with
fowl
related adjectives, male animals, female animalsQuick word challenge
Quiz Review
Question: 1
-
Score: 0 / 5
More idioms containing
fowl
Trends of
fowl
View usage over:
In other languages
fowl
British English: fowl
NOUN /faʊl/
A fowl is a bird, especially one that can be eaten as food, such as a duck or a chicken.
Carve the fowl into 8 pieces.
- American English: fowl /ˈfaʊl/
- Brazilian Portuguese: ave (doméstica)
- Chinese: 家禽
- European Spanish: ave de corral
- French: volaille
- German: Geflügel
- Italian: volatile
- Japanese: 家禽
- Korean: 가금
- European Portuguese: ave (doméstica)
- Spanish: ave de corral
- Thai: สัตว์ปีก
Browse alphabetically
fowl
Source
Definition of fowl from the Collins English Dictionary
Quick word challenge
Quiz Review
Question: 1
-
Score: 0 / 5
chilli or chilly?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
chilly
chilli
It was a afternoon.
spoke or spoken?
Which version is correct?
pain or pane?
Which version is correct?
mail or male?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
male
mail
Most of the people in the audience were .
flea or flee?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
flea
flee
The disease spread from rats to humans by bites.
Your score:
9 new words in Collins Dictionary
There is a scientific bent to 9 new words added to the Collins Online Dictionary, including three types of 'blot' tests, and words relating to electric vehicles.
Read more
Study guides for every stage of your learning journey
Whether you're in search of a crossword puzzle, a detailed guide to tying knots, or tips on writing the perfect college essay, Harper Reference has you covered for all your study needs.
Read more
A little bird told me… 7 animal idioms
It’s new words time at Collins Dictionary and this month we see the addition of words like fingerling, net zero and emotional support animal. This month, there were a few animal-related additions.
Read more
Collins English Dictionary Apps
Download our English Dictionary apps - available for both iOS and Android.
Read more
Collins Dictionaries for Schools
Our new online dictionaries for schools provide a safe and appropriate environment for children. And best of all it's ad free, so sign up now and start using at home or in the classroom.
Read more
Word lists
We have almost 200 lists of words from topics as varied as types of butterflies, jackets, currencies, vegetables and knots!
Amaze your friends with your new-found knowledge!
Read more
Join the Collins community
All the latest wordy news, linguistic insights, offers and competitions every month.
Read more
Updating our Usage
There are many diverse influences on the way that English is used across the world today. We look at some of the ways in which the language is changing. Read our series of blogs to find out more.
Read more
Area 51, Starship, and Harvest Moon: September’s Words in the News
I’m sure a lot of people would agree that we live in strange times. But do they have to be so strange that Area 51 is making headlines? And what’s this about fish the look like aliens. September’s Words in the News explain all.
Read more
Quick word challenge
Quiz Review
Question: 1
-
Score: 0 / 5
divorce battle or leadership battle?
Which version is correct?
mathematical formula or successful formula?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
mathematical formula
successful formula
Effective style cannot be taught like a .
murder scene or music scene?
Which version is correct?
slurred speech or victory speech?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
slurred speech
victory speech
Symptoms include , muscle pain and mottled skin.
criminal activity or economic activity?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
economic activity
criminal activity
Overall is weak and it is expected to remain weak in the near term.
Your score: