henhouse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal for literal meaning; informal for metaphorical meaning.
Quick answer
What does “henhouse” mean?
A small building or coop where domestic hens are kept.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small building or coop where domestic hens are kept.
A situation or environment characterized by female-dominated gossip, fuss, or social activity (informal, metaphorical).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in literal meaning. Metaphorical usage is understood in both varieties, though slightly more established in British informal speech.
Connotations
The metaphorical connotation (chaos, female gossip) is more prominent than the literal. The literal term may evoke traditional, small-scale farming.
Frequency
Low-to-medium frequency for the literal term; low for the metaphorical term.
Grammar
How to Use “henhouse” in a Sentence
The [NOUN] broke into the henhouse.They keep the chickens in a [ADJECTIVE] henhouse.It sounded like a henhouse in there (metaphorical).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “henhouse” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possible in agribusiness or metaphorical use for a chaotic office environment (informal).
Academic
Very rare outside agricultural or historical studies.
Everyday
Used in rural contexts or in the metaphorical idiom.
Technical
Used in poultry farming and small-scale agriculture.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “henhouse”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “henhouse”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “henhouse”
- Spelling as two words ('hen house') – standard modern spelling is one word or hyphenated ('hen-house'). Using the metaphor in overly formal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Modern dictionaries list it as one word ('henhouse') or sometimes hyphenated ('hen-house'). 'Hen house' as two words is less common.
Not inherently, but it depends on context. It's a common idiom meaning a disruptive or predatory presence within a vulnerable group. Avoid using it to describe actual people from marginalized groups.
No, 'henhouse' is solely a noun. There is no standard verb form.
They are largely synonymous. 'Coop' (short for chicken coop) is slightly more common in everyday AmE. 'Henhouse' can imply a slightly more substantial or permanent structure.
A small building or coop where domestic hens are kept.
Henhouse is usually formal for literal meaning; informal for metaphorical meaning. in register.
Henhouse: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhen.haʊs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɛnˌhaʊs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “fox in the henhouse (an untrustworthy person in a vulnerable group)”
- “like a henhouse (chaotic and noisy)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HENS live in a HOUSE = HENHOUSE. Picture a little house with a roof, just for hens.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONTAINER FOR NOISE/CHAOS (The office was a henhouse after the announcement.)
Practice
Quiz
What is the core meaning of 'henhouse'?