moorhen

noun moor·hen \ˈmu̇r-ˌhen\

Definition of MOORHEN

: an aquatic bird (Gallinula chloropus) of the rail family that is widespread in the New World, Eurasia, and Africa and that has a red bill, red frontal area on the head, and a white band on the flanks —called also gallinule

See moorhen defined for kids

First Known Use of MOORHEN

14th century

Rhymes with MOORHEN

again, amen, Ardennes, Big Ben, bull pen, Cayenne, Chosen, domaine, doyen, doyenne, Estienne, fen-phen, game hen, hang ten, hapten, Karen, La Tène, light pen, marsh hen, peahen, pigpen, Phnom Penh, playpen, RN, Sheyenne, somewhen, Touraine, Turenne

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: mooringPrevious Word in the Dictionary: Moore's lawAll Words Near: moorhen

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up moorhen? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site

Test Your Vocabulary!

10 Charming Words for Nasty People

Put-downs with flair

Learn More

When "Literally" isn't, well, literal

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Watch Now

Know what this is?

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Go Play

Fear of cats?

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears

Learn More