coop: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “coop” mean?
A small cage or pen for confining poultry, such as chickens.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small cage or pen for confining poultry, such as chickens.
1) Any confined or restrictive space. 2) (Informal, especially in 'fly the coop') To escape from a situation. 3) (Verb) To confine in a small space.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The core meaning is identical. The phrase 'fly the coop' is more prevalent in AmE. 'Coop' as a clipping of 'cooperative' (e.g., housing coop) is understood in both, but slightly more common in AmE contexts.
Connotations
In both, the literal meaning is neutral/agricultural. The metaphorical uses carry a slightly negative or humorous connotation of being trapped or making a hasty escape.
Frequency
Low-medium frequency. More common in rural contexts or in its idiomatic/metaphorical forms.
Grammar
How to Use “coop” in a Sentence
to coop (someone/something) upto coop (someone/something) in (a place)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coop” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bad weather meant we were cooped up in the cottage all weekend.
- He cooped the birds in before the storm.
American English
- I hate being cooped up in the office on a nice day.
- They cooped the rabbits in a makeshift hutch.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A (Not standard as a standalone adjective; participial 'cooped-up' is used.)
American English
- N/A (Not standard as a standalone adjective; participial 'cooped-up' is used.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in agribusiness or metaphorically: 'Employees felt cooped up in the old office layout.'
Academic
Rare, except in agricultural or historical studies discussing animal husbandry.
Everyday
Common in the idiomatic phrases 'cooped up' and 'fly the coop.' The literal meaning is understood.
Technical
Used in poultry farming and small-scale animal keeping.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coop”
- Misspelling as 'coupe' (a car or champagne glass).
- Using 'coop' as a standard noun for a large farm.
- Incorrect preposition: 'coop in' vs. 'coop up' (both possible, but 'up' is more common for the feeling).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they have different etymologies. 'Coop' comes from Old English 'cȳpe' (basket, container), while 'cooperate' comes from Latin 'co-' (together) + 'operari' (to work).
Yes, as a clipping of 'cooperative' (e.g., a housing coop, food coop). This is a distinct, though homographic, word.
A coop is typically larger, often a shelter for poultry or rabbits, possibly with an outdoor run. A cage is usually a fully enclosed, often smaller, structure made of wire or bars for various animals or birds.
Mostly, yes. It conveys a sense of unwanted confinement and restlessness. It would be unusual to use it in a positive context of feeling snug or secure.
A small cage or pen for confining poultry, such as chickens.
Coop is usually informal to neutral in register.
Coop: in British English it is pronounced /kuːp/, and in American English it is pronounced /kuːp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “fly the coop (to leave or escape suddenly)”
- “cooped up (feeling confined)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a chicken saying 'COO-P' sadly from inside its small pen.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS CONFINEMENT / ESCAPE IS FREEDOM (e.g., 'fly the coop').
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'fly the coop' most likely mean?