Definition of "chicken" in English

noun

1. (countable) A domesticated subspecies of red junglefowl (Gallus gallus domesticus).

   • backyard chickens
   • barnyard chickens

2. (uncountable) The meat from this bird eaten as food.

   • boneless chicken
   • tastes like chicken

3. (obsolete) The young of any bird; a chick.

4. (countable, slang, sometimes derogatory) A coward.

   • (More commonly used as an adjective with this sense; see below.)

5. (countable, slang, sometimes derogatory) A young or inexperienced person.

   • "This case will make a stir, sir," he remarked. "It beats anything I have seen, and I am no chicken."

6. (countable, Polari) A young, attractive, slim man, usually having little body hair; compare chickenhawk.

7. (uncountable) The game of dare.

8. (preceded by definite article) A simple dance in which the movements of a chicken are imitated.

9. (slang, US) A kilogram of cocaine.

10. (obsolete) A small pewter pot used in a tavern.

adjective

1. (informal, sometimes derogatory) Cowardly.

   • Why do you refuse to fight? Huh, I guess you're just too chicken.

verb

1. (intransitive) To avoid a situation one is afraid of.

noun

1. (UK dialectal or obsolete) plural of chick