What does peahen mean?
A peahen is the female of the peafowl, the bird most often associated with the familiar image of a peacock displaying an extravagant fan of feathers. The word is especially useful because “peacock” specifically refers to the male, while a peahen normally has more subdued brown or greenish plumage, although coloration varies among the species. Peahens are commonly seen in gardens, farms, parks, and the wild, where they forage on the ground for seeds, insects, and other small food. In ordinary writing, “female peacock” is readily understood and frequently used, but “peahen” provides a concise, traditional distinction. The term is neutral in register and can appear in descriptions of wildlife, agriculture, painting, folklore, and everyday birdwatching. It also distinguishes the female bird without implying that all peafowl share the male’s spectacular display appearance.
nounA peahen is the female of the peafowl, the bird commonly called a peacock. It is especially distinguished from the male by its generally less ornate plumage and more subdued coloration.
- The female peafowl, commonly called a female peacock.
"A peahen quietly searched the grass for seeds while the peacock displayed his magnificent tail feathers."
"The peahen led her chicks toward the shelter of the garden wall."
"In the painting, the peahen stands apart from the brilliant male peacock."
The standard plural adds -s to the singular form.
"Two peahens wandered across the meadow near the hedgerow."
The peahen may lack the peacock's spectacular tail, but she can be an equally commanding presence in the garden.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does peahen come from?
The word combines the peacock stem with hen, using an established word for the female of a bird to specify the female peafowl. The bird name peacock comes through Old French paon from Latin pavo, while peafowl belongs to the same broader zoological and etymological family. The combination developed into the distinct English form peahen.
How peahen is actually used
Peahen is standard in both British and American English. The expression “female peacock” is also common, though peahen is the more precise term.
Easily confused with peahen
A peahen is the female peafowl, whereas a peacock specifically denotes the male bird, noted for its ornate display plumage.