prairie chicken
Americannoun
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either of two North American gallinaceous birds of western prairies, Tympanuchus cupido greater prairie chicken, or T. pallidicinctus lesser prairie chicken, having brown, black, white, and rufous plumage: both species, once abundant, have diminished greatly in number and are classified as vulnerable.
noun
Etymology
Origin of prairie chicken
An Americanism dating back to 1685–95
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.
Laura Parker, a lawyer for the center, said it can be hard for people to understand why a tiny lizard, or rare mussel species, or the lesser prairie chicken are worth preserving.
From Salon ● Jul. 15, 2026
Clay Nichols, the lesser prairie chicken coordinator with the U.S.
From New York Times ● Nov. 17, 2022
A little smaller and lighter in color than the greater prairie chicken, the lesser prairie chicken is known for spring courtship rituals that include flamboyant dances by the males and a cacophony of clucking.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 25, 2022
This behavior is observed in several bird species including the sage grouse and the prairie chicken.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022
"A dozen of Alf's prairie chicken will not be equal to an antelope—if I get him!"
From The Fiery Totem A Tale of Adventure in the Canadian North-West by Saxby, C. F. Argyll
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.
