cockerell: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Agricultural / Historical
Quick answer
What does “cockerell” mean?
A young male chicken, specifically a young rooster less than one year old.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A young male chicken, specifically a young rooster less than one year old.
Historically used in surnames and place names, often deriving from a nickname or occupation related to poultry farming or fighting.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood but archaic/regional in both dialects. In modern farming contexts, 'young rooster' or 'cockeral' (variant spelling) is more common. The surname use is equally rare in both.
Connotations
In BrE, may evoke traditional countryside or farming. In AmE, it is a very obscure term, likely unknown to general speakers.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects. Its use is largely confined to historical texts, specialized poultry contexts, or as a proper noun.
Grammar
How to Use “cockerell” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] cockerell VERBVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare, only in historical agricultural studies or zoology.
Everyday
Virtually never used in modern conversation.
Technical
Used in poultry farming and animal husbandry to specify age and sex of chicken.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cockerell”
- Misspelling as 'cockerel' (more common variant) or 'cockrell'. Using it to refer to any chicken.
- Using it in general contexts instead of 'rooster' or 'chicken'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'cockerell' is a less common variant spelling of 'cockerel'. Both refer to a young rooster.
It is highly unlikely you will ever need to. 'Young rooster' is the common modern term.
A young female chicken is called a 'pullet'.
Most likely in historical texts, specialized poultry literature, or as a British surname (e.g., Sir Christopher Cockerell).
A young male chicken, specifically a young rooster less than one year old.
Cockerell is usually technical / agricultural / historical in register.
Cockerell: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒkərəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːkərəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A COCK-er-EL is a little male COCK (rooster). The '-erel' suffix often denotes a young or small version (like 'pickerel').
Conceptual Metaphor
Youth and immaturity (a 'cockerell' is an inexperienced male).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'cockerell'?