Cockcrow

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

IPA: /ˈkɒkˌkrəʊ/

Definitions

• 1. The cry of a rooster, especially at dawn.
• 2. The time at which a rooster crows, typically at the break of day.

Usage Examples

• "The rooster's cockcrow signaled the beginning of a new day."
• "At cockcrow, the farm was alive with activity."
• "The sound of cockcrow filled the air as the first light of dawn appeared."

Etymology

The word "cockcrow" originates from Middle English "cock-crow," which refers to the crowing sound made by a rooster (cock). "Cock" is a term for a male bird, particularly a rooster, and "crow" refers to the sound made by the bird. The term has been used since the early 15th century and is often associated with the early morning or dawn when roosters are known to crow.

Synonyms

• Rooster's cry
• Morning call
• Dawn crowing

Antonyms

• Nightfall
• Evening
• Nighttime

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• American English: /ˈkɒkˌkrəʊ/
• British English: /ˈkɒkˌkrəʊ/
• Australian English: /ˈkɒkˌkrəʊ/

Historical Usage

The term "cockcrow" has been in use for centuries, often appearing in literature and religious texts to signify the early morning or the first light of day. It is referenced in various biblical passages, with the most famous being the denial of Peter, where it is said that Peter will deny Christ "before the cock crows." The crowing of a rooster has been traditionally associated with awakening and the start of daily activities, particularly in rural or agricultural communities where the cockcrow signaled the arrival of morning chores.

Cultural Nuances

The sound of cockcrow holds symbolic meaning in many cultures. It is often seen as a herald of the dawn or as a metaphor for renewal, awakening, or the passage of time. In folklore, hearing a rooster's crow was believed to bring good luck or signify a new beginning. In some traditions, it is also associated with the supernatural, such as warding off evil spirits. In rural communities, the cockcrow was a sign that work was about to begin, and in many cultures, it plays a role in daily rituals or cultural practices related to the start of the day.

More Information

The cockcrow has been more than just a natural phenomenon for centuries. In addition to its agricultural significance, it has been the subject of myth and superstition, especially in relation to its association with the dawn and spiritual awakenings. The rooster's crowing has been used in literature, music, and art as a symbol of hope, renewal, and the inevitability of time. Its presence is integral to daily life in rural areas, especially in farming communities, where the cockcrow marks the beginning of the day's labor and routines.