cock-of-the-rock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialised/Natural History
Quick answer
What does “cock-of-the-rock” mean?
A brightly coloured South American bird of the cotinga family, the male of which has a prominent crest.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A brightly coloured South American bird of the cotinga family, the male of which has a prominent crest.
A flamboyant, showy, or conspicuous person or thing, drawing on the bird's distinctive appearance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage; the term is equally specialised in both varieties.
Connotations
The ornithological term is neutral. The metaphorical use implies ostentation, sometimes with a hint of vanity.
Frequency
Extremely low-frequency in general language, known mainly to birdwatchers and naturalists.
Grammar
How to Use “cock-of-the-rock” in a Sentence
The [adjective] cock-of-the-rock [verb].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cock-of-the-rock” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- His cock-of-the-rock flamboyance was noted by all.
American English
- She had a cock-of-the-rock sense of style.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in biological and zoological texts.
Everyday
Rarely used, only when describing the bird directly or as a pointed metaphor.
Technical
Standard term in ornithology.
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cock-of-the-rock”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cock-of-the-rock”
- Incorrect hyphenation (e.g., cock of the rock).
- Using it as a general synonym for 'rooster'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, specialised term used mainly in ornithology.
Yes, but it's a literary or humorous metaphor, implying someone is conspicuously flamboyant or showy.
Yes, the two main species are the Andean cock-of-the-rock and the Guianan cock-of-the-rock.
The name derives from its rooster-like ('cock') appearance and its association with rocky outcrops and ravines in its forest habitat.
A brightly coloured South American bird of the cotinga family, the male of which has a prominent crest.
Cock-of-the-rock is usually specialised/natural history in register.
Cock-of-the-rock: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒk əv ðə ˈrɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːk əv ðə ˈrɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He strutted like a cock-of-the-rock.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a rooster (cock) standing proudly on top of a rock. This bird has a similar crest and perches in rocky areas.
Conceptual Metaphor
OSTENTATION IS BRIGHT PLUMAGE / CONSPICUOUSNESS IS A PROMINENT CREST.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'cock-of-the-rock'?