cockerel

noun

cock·​er·​el ˈkä-k(ə-)rəl How to pronounce cockerel (audio)
: a young male of the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus)

Examples of cockerel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Charlotte tracked down that eccentric French fan, and son of a veteran from the Foreign Legion, Clement Tomaszewski, who has been bringing a cockerel named Balthazar Recommandato (there have been 35 Balthazars) into stadiums for four decades. — The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024 By Erika Solomon Page A1 The Olympic Flame Melts Parisian Cool There are people walking around the world’s fashion capital with fluffy cockerels on their heads. — Matt Flegenheimer Claire Fu David Dee Delgado Mujib Mashal, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cokerelle, from Anglo-French cokerel, diminutive of coc

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cockerel was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Cockerel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cockerel. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

cockerel

noun
cock·​er·​el ˈkäk-(ə-)rəl How to pronounce cockerel (audio)
: a young male domestic chicken
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