hen hawk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowInformal, regional, dated, rural
Quick answer
What does “hen hawk” mean?
A colloquial or regional name for a bird of prey, typically a hawk, that preys on poultry, especially chickens.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A colloquial or regional name for a bird of prey, typically a hawk, that preys on poultry, especially chickens.
Informal term often used to refer to various medium-sized hawks (e.g., Cooper's Hawk, Northern Goshawk) known for hunting birds, particularly in farmyards. Can also be a general pejorative term for any predator of domestic fowl.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More likely to be encountered in historical or rural American contexts. In British English, specific hawk names (e.g., Sparrowhawk) are more common, though 'hen harrier' exists as a specific species name.
Connotations
Both carry the connotation of a nuisance or threat to poultry. The American usage may be more generalized.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern usage in both varieties, largely archaic or confined to very specific rural dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “hen hawk” in a Sentence
The [hen hawk] [verb] the [chicken].We need to [protect/guard] against the [hen hawk].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hen hawk” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We were hen-hawked last week and lost two birds. (rare, non-standard)
American English
- The coop got hen-hawked again. (rare, non-standard)
adjective
British English
- We have a hen-hawk problem. (attributive use)
American English
- He put up hen-hawk wire around the run. (attributive use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Not used in formal ornithology; may appear in historical or cultural studies of rural life.
Everyday
Very rare; might be used by older generations in rural farming communities.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hen hawk”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hen hawk”
- Capitalising it as a proper name (Hen Hawk).
- Using it as a formal biological classification.
- Confusing it with 'hen harrier', which is a distinct species (Circus cyaneus).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not a scientifically recognized species. It's a colloquial term that could refer to different medium-sized hawks known to prey on poultry, like the Cooper's Hawk or Northern Goshawk, depending on the region.
No, it is considered archaic or regional. Most people today would use the specific bird's proper name (e.g., Cooper's Hawk) or simply say 'a hawk'.
They are essentially synonymous in folk usage. Both are informal, imprecise terms for hawks that attack poultry. 'Chicken hawk' is perhaps slightly more common in some American dialects.
It is not recommended. In formal or academic writing (especially ornithology), you should use the precise common name or scientific name of the bird species you are discussing.
A colloquial or regional name for a bird of prey, typically a hawk, that preys on poultry, especially chickens.
Hen hawk: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhen ˌhɔːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhen ˌhɑːk/ or /ˈhen ˌhɔːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Look like a hen hawk in a chicken coop (to look predatory or out of place).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HEN HAWK = HEN (what it wants) + HAWK (what it is). Think of a hawk eyeing the henhouse.
Conceptual Metaphor
A THREAT IS A PREDATOR (e.g., 'The new competitor is a real hen hawk in our market').
Practice
Quiz
In modern contexts, the term 'hen hawk' is best described as: