gizzard: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialized, Informal (in figurative use)
Quick answer
What does “gizzard” mean?
The muscular second stomach of a bird, used for grinding food.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The muscular second stomach of a bird, used for grinding food.
A tough, resilient organ in birds and some other animals; figuratively, a person's stomach or innards, especially when referring to courage or endurance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Figurative idioms like 'stick in one's gizzard' are slightly more common in British English but rare in both.
Connotations
In both varieties, the literal term is neutral/scientific. Figurative use can sound old-fashioned or rustic.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects. Most commonly encountered in cooking contexts (e.g., preparing poultry) or biology.
Grammar
How to Use “gizzard” in a Sentence
the gizzard of [bird][bird]'s gizzardto have the gizzard to do something (archaic)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in biological/zoological texts describing avian anatomy.
Everyday
Rare. Might appear in cooking instructions or when discussing poultry preparation.
Technical
Standard term in ornithology, veterinary science, and animal physiology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gizzard”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gizzard”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gizzard”
- Using 'gizzard' to refer to any animal's stomach.
- Pronouncing it as /ˈɡaɪ.zərd/ (like 'guy').
- Using figurative idioms in modern, casual speech where they sound unnatural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The gizzard is a specialized organ found in birds, some reptiles, earthworms, and certain fish. Humans have a single-chambered stomach.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialized term. Most English speakers know it but rarely use it outside specific contexts like biology or cooking.
Yes. Chicken and turkey gizzards are considered offal and are eaten in various cuisines worldwide. They are often cleaned, slow-cooked, or fried due to their tough, muscular texture.
It is an old-fashioned expression meaning that something is very difficult to accept or swallow, much like something physically stuck in your throat. It conveys resentment or strong dislike.
The muscular second stomach of a bird, used for grinding food.
Gizzard is usually specialized, informal (in figurative use) in register.
Gizzard: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɪz.əd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɪz.ɚd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “stick in one's gizzard (to be difficult to accept)”
- “grit in one's gizzard (courage, endurance)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bird 'sizzling' in a pan; its 'gizzard' is the tough part that needs slow cooking.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE GIZZARD IS A GRINDING MACHINE / THE GIZZARD IS A SEAT OF COURAGE (archaic).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'gizzard' primarily?