cockerel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Standard, formal, technical (zoology/agriculture); less common in casual conversation.
Quick answer
What does “cockerel” mean?
A young male domestic chicken.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A young male domestic chicken.
Specifically refers to a male chicken that is less than one year old. Metaphorically, it can refer to a young, immature, or boastful man.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'cockerel' is the standard, specific term for a young male chicken. 'Rooster' is understood but less commonly used. In American English, 'rooster' is the dominant, generic term for any adult male chicken, while 'cockerel' is a more precise, technical, or quaint term.
Connotations
In UK usage, 'cockerel' is neutral. In US usage, it can sound slightly old-fashioned, literary, or British. In both varieties, the figurative use ('a young cockerel') implies brashness.
Frequency
High frequency in UK agricultural/rural contexts; low to medium frequency in US, primarily in technical or breed-specific discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “cockerel” in a Sentence
The cockerel crows.We have a new cockerel.He strutted like a cockerel.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cockerel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not standard as a verb.)
American English
- (Not standard as a verb.)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- (Rarely used adjectivally) 'cockerel feathers'.
American English
- (Rarely used adjectivally) 'cockerel plumage'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Used in zoology, agriculture, and animal husbandry texts for precise classification.
Everyday
Used in rural/ farming communities and when discussing poultry breeds. More common in UK than US casual speech.
Technical
Standard term in poultry farming and avian biology to specify age and sex.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cockerel”
- Using 'cockerel' for an adult rooster (in precise contexts).
- Using 'cockerel' for a hen.
- Pronouncing it as /koʊˈkerəl/ (incorrect stress).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A cockerel is specifically a young male chicken, typically under one year old. 'Rooster' is a more general term for an adult male chicken, used predominantly in American English.
You can, but it may sound formal, technical, or slightly British. Most Americans would use 'rooster' or 'young rooster' instead.
A young female chicken is called a 'pullet'. An adult female is a 'hen'.
When used figuratively about a person, it draws on the stereotypical image of a young, strutting, crowing male chicken to imply boastfulness, immaturity, or unwarranted arrogance.
A young male domestic chicken.
Cockerel is usually standard, formal, technical (zoology/agriculture); less common in casual conversation. in register.
Cockerel: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒk(ə)rəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːkərəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Cock of the walk (similar bragging concept)”
- “Fight like a cockerel (to quarrel noisily but with little consequence)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A COCKEREL is a COCK that is still quite SMALL. The '-erel' suffix can be associated with 'young' or 'small' (like 'pickerel', a young pike).
Conceptual Metaphor
YOUTH IS IMMATURE MALE ANIMAL (e.g., 'a young cockerel in the boardroom'). PRIDE/BOASTFULNESS IS A STRUTTING COCKEREL.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary distinction between a 'cockerel' and a 'rooster' in precise usage?