hen-and-chickens: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal (horticultural), informal (colloquial)
Quick answer
What does “hen-and-chickens” mean?
A perennial plant (Sempervivum tectorum) forming a central rosette (the hen) surrounded by smaller offsets (the chicks).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A perennial plant (Sempervivum tectorum) forming a central rosette (the hen) surrounded by smaller offsets (the chicks).
Any of several plants that reproduce by producing offsets around a central parent plant. Colloquially used to describe any similar-looking grouping, such as a cluster of mushrooms or a mother hen with her chicks.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Term is used identically in horticulture. The colloquial, metaphorical extension is more common in UK English.
Connotations
UK: Cozy, domestic, quaint. US: Primarily a specific plant name; metaphorical use less frequent.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but slightly higher in UK due to colloquial/metaphorical use.
Grammar
How to Use “hen-and-chickens” in a Sentence
The [NOUN] hen-and-chickens [VERB: grows/spreads].It is known as hen-and-chickens.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hen-and-chickens” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The hen-and-chickens formation was clearly visible.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could metaphorically describe a parent company with subsidiaries.
Academic
Used in botany, horticulture, and descriptive biology.
Everyday
Used by gardeners; colloquial for describing close-knit groups.
Technical
Specific botanical term for Sempervivum and related genera.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hen-and-chickens”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hen-and-chickens”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hen-and-chickens”
- Using 'hen-and-chicken' (singular chick).
- Confusing it with 'chickens' the animal only.
- Misspelling as 'hen and chickens' without hyphens in formal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when used as a single compound noun, especially in botanical writing. In informal descriptions, it may appear without hyphens.
Yes, but it's a colloquial metaphor. E.g., 'The teacher walked in, followed by her class like hen-and-chickens.'
They are the same plant. 'Houseleek' is the common name; 'hen-and-chickens' is a descriptive name based on its growth habit.
Yes, but primarily by gardeners and plant enthusiasts. The metaphorical extension is less common than in British English.
A perennial plant (Sempervivum tectorum) forming a central rosette (the hen) surrounded by smaller offsets (the chicks).
Hen-and-chickens is usually formal (horticultural), informal (colloquial) in register.
Hen-and-chickens: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhen ən ˈʧɪk.ɪnz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhɛn ən ˈʧɪk.ɪnz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “They clustered round the manager like hen-and-chickens.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a mother hen (the big central plant) surrounded by her fluffy chicks (the little baby plants around it).
Conceptual Metaphor
FAMILY IS A CLUSTER (Mother + children). ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE IS A PLANT (Central unit + satellites).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'hen-and-chickens'?