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moorhen

[ moor-hen ]

noun

  1. Also called water hen. a common species of gallinule, Gallinule chloropus, of nearly worldwide distribution.
  2. any of several related gallinules.
  3. Chiefly British. the female red grouse.


moorhen

/ ˈmʊəˌhɛn; ˈmɔː- /

noun

  1. a bird, Gallinula chloropus, inhabiting ponds, lakes, etc, having a black plumage, red bill, and a red shield above the bill: family Rallidae (rails)
  2. the female of the red grouse
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of moorhen1

First recorded in 1250–1300, moorhen is from the Middle English word mor-hen. See moor 1, hen
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Example Sentences

The moorhen, meanwhile, invariably escaped; yet Bob failed to understand that he was the only diver in the pack.

The moorhen and coot are too inconspicuous as they lurk under the reeds, or swim hurriedly across the open water.

The game birds consist of grouse, blackcock, moorhen, quail and partridge.

I doubt if the wild duck, teal, little grebe, and moorhen succeed in rearing many young in this most dangerous water.

The larger birds are the wood-pigeon, moorhen, dabchick, and to these the carrion crow may now be added as a breeding species.

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