moorhen

American  

[moor-hen] / ˈmʊərˌhɛn /

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.

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moorhen British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of moorhen

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

Example Sentences

In another part of the zoo, a chimpanzee captures a moorhen chick and handlers negotiate its release.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 17, 2018

It was a Hawaiian stilt, which like the duck, moorhen and coot, is a federally endangered species.

From New York Times • May 13, 2011

Suddenly, a moorhen flew onto the edge of the nest.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

That reminded me of Togbe’s story about the moorhen.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

After all, the moorhen ate other creatures too, like fish, snails, insects, without worrying what she was doing to them and their young.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo