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

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

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg