hen party: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal
Quick answer
What does “hen party” mean?
A social gathering, typically held in the evening, exclusively for women, to celebrate a woman's upcoming marriage.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A social gathering, typically held in the evening, exclusively for women, to celebrate a woman's upcoming marriage.
A pre-wedding celebration or bachelorette party attended by female friends and relatives of the bride-to-be, often involving themed decorations, games, and activities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'hen party' is predominantly British and Irish English. In American English, the equivalent term is 'bachelorette party' (or occasionally 'hen night').
Connotations
In the UK, 'hen party' is the standard, neutral term. In the US, 'hen party' might sound quaint or be perceived as a Britishism. 'Bachelorette party' is the neutral US term.
Frequency
High frequency in UK informal contexts. Low frequency in US contexts, where 'bachelorette party' is overwhelmingly preferred.
Grammar
How to Use “hen party” in a Sentence
have a hen party for [someone][Someone]'s hen party is on [day]The hen party was at [location]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hen party” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We're hen-partying in Brighton next weekend.
- She got hen-partied last night.
American English
- They're bachelorette-partying in Nashville.
adjective
British English
- It was a proper hen-party atmosphere.
- She bought hen-party sashes.
American English
- They wore bachelorette-party tiaras.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used by event planners, hospitality, and party supply companies (e.g., 'We specialise in hen party packages').
Academic
Rare; might appear in sociological or cultural studies of wedding rituals.
Everyday
Common in social planning and conversation among friends and family.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hen party”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hen party”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hen party”
- Using 'hen party' to refer to any girls' night out (it requires a pre-wedding context).
- Spelling it as 'hen paty' or 'henpartry'.
- Using it interchangeably with 'bridal shower'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A hen party is typically an evening social event focused on fun and celebration, often with friends. A bridal shower is usually a daytime gathering where guests bring gifts for the couple's new home, often including family members.
By definition, a hen party is for women only. If men are included, it is usually called a 'joint stag and hen' or simply a 'pre-wedding celebration'.
Yes, 'hen night' (or 'hens' night') is synonymous, though 'hen party' can imply a larger or more organised event. 'Hen night' is very common in British and Irish English.
Common activities include going to bars or clubs, having a meal out, attending a show (like a comedy or cabaret), spa treatments, cocktail making classes, or weekend trips away.
A social gathering, typically held in the evening, exclusively for women, to celebrate a woman's upcoming marriage.
Hen party is usually informal in register.
Hen party: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhen ˌpɑː.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhen ˌpɑːr.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The last night of freedom (humorous, for the bride-to-be)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a group of hens clucking together before one leaves the coop for marriage.
Conceptual Metaphor
WOMEN ARE HENS (in a communal, social setting).
Practice
Quiz
In American English, the most common equivalent to 'hen party' is: