Part of Speech

Noun, Verb (less commonly)

Pronunciation

/faʊl/

Definitions

• 1. A type of bird, especially one that is raised for food or sport, such as chickens, ducks, or geese.
• 2. (in plural) The meat of such birds, often referred to as poultry.
• 3. (verb) To hunt or capture wild birds, particularly in the context of sporting activities.

Usage Examples

• He raised a variety of fowl on his farm, including chickens and ducks.
• She served a delicious roast fowl for dinner.
• The hunters went out to fowl in the wetlands during the early morning hours.

Etymology

Derived from Middle English "fowl," from Old English "fugol," which referred to a bird or flying creature. The word shares roots with the Germanic and Indo-European words for birds and flight. The term has evolved to denote both the bird itself and the meat derived from such birds.

Synonyms

• Poultry
• Chicken
• Game bird
• Waterfowl
• Bird

Antonyms

• Mammal
• Beast
• Land animal

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The word "fowl" is commonly pronounced the same way across English-speaking regions, though in some accents, such as in certain parts of the UK, the "ow" sound may be more drawn-out. In some regions, the term "fowl" is often used to describe any domesticated bird, while in others, it is more specific to game birds or poultry.

Historical Usage

The term "fowl" has been in use since Middle English, originating from the Old English word "fugel" or "fugol," meaning bird. Historically, it was used in both a general sense to describe birds and more specifically to refer to those birds that were raised for food or hunting purposes.

Cultural Nuances

In various cultures, "fowl" is often associated with food, particularly poultry dishes such as roast chicken or duck. In certain cultures, fowling or hunting game birds is a traditional practice. In addition, the term "fowl" may also be used to describe bird species in literature or folklore, signifying both their flight ability and their association with farming or rural life.

More Information

Fowl, often used as a general term for birds raised for food, includes chickens, ducks, turkeys, and geese. The domestication of fowl for meat and egg production dates back thousands of years and remains one of the most widespread agricultural practices worldwide. Fowl farming, or poultry farming, plays a key role in food production, and the term "fowl" can also extend to wild game birds, such as pheasants or quails. In sporting terms, fowling can refer to hunting these birds, often as part of a recreational activity. The cultural significance of fowl varies globally, particularly with the widespread use of chicken as a primary protein source in many cuisines.