cockscomb: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Literary, Botanical, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “cockscomb” mean?
The fleshy, red crest on the head of a domestic rooster.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The fleshy, red crest on the head of a domestic rooster.
1) A garden plant (Celosia argentea var. cristata) with flowers resembling a rooster's crest. 2) (Historical/Archaic) A jester's cap, often adorned with a strip of red cloth resembling a cockscomb.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major difference in meaning or spelling. The botanical name is used internationally.
Connotations
Neutral in botanical/zoological contexts. The archaic 'jester's cap' sense has a historical/literary connotation.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, primarily encountered in specialized contexts (gardening, historical texts).
Grammar
How to Use “cockscomb” in a Sentence
The [noun] had a vibrant cockscomb.She grew [cockscomb] in the border.The fool wore a [cockscomb].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in botany/horticulture papers and historical studies of costume/theatre.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used by gardeners.
Technical
Standard term for the plant Celosia argentea var. cristata and for the anatomical feature on gallinaceous birds.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cockscomb”
- Misspelling as 'coxcomb' (an archaic term for a vain man) when referring to the plant/crest. Using it as a common term for any crest.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, 'coxcomb' was a common variant for all senses. Today, 'cockscomb' is standard for the rooster's crest and the plant. 'Coxcomb' is now primarily an archaic term for a vain, foolish man (originating from the jester's cap worn by such characters).
Yes, the rooster's comb itself is edible and is used in some classic French sauces and dishes. The Celosia plant (cockscomb) is not typically consumed, though some related species are used as leafy vegetables.
No, it is a low-frequency word. You will most likely encounter it in gardening contexts or historical literature. It is not part of everyday vocabulary.
It is almost exclusively a noun. It is not used as a verb, adjective, or adverb in modern English.
The fleshy, red crest on the head of a domestic rooster.
Cockscomb is usually formal, literary, botanical, archaic in register.
Cockscomb: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒkskəʊm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːkskoʊm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a COCK (rooster) with a COMB in its hair. A cockscomb is the rooster's natural 'comb' on its head.
Conceptual Metaphor
SHAPE AS IDENTITY (The plant is named for its resemblance to the rooster's crest).
Practice
Quiz
In a historical context, a 'cockscomb' could refer to: