mother hen
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of mother hen
First recorded in 1950–55
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Studies have shown that calves recover faster after dehorning when allowed to return to their social group, and chicks benefit from being near their mother hen after experiencing a mild stressor.
From Washington Post • Oct. 30, 2022
Early in life, chicks utter distress calls—high-pitched, repetitive chirps—to attract the attention of their mother hen, whom they rely on for warmth and food.
From Science Magazine • Jun. 28, 2022
Uncle Clifford is a taskmistress, but she minds her dancers less in the way of a madam than a mother hen.
From Salon • Jun. 20, 2022
“Emily is like the mother hen, she nurtures careers,” said Lauren Parker, editor in chief of Accessories magazine, which sponsored the Audience Fan Favorite award at I.H.D.A.
From New York Times • Jul. 27, 2018
My mother cared for them like a mother hen cares for her chicks, even though the hawk of war has flown away.
From "Bless Me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
