noun / verb
coop
KOOP/kuːp/
A small enclosure, especially for poultry, used to keep occupants confined.
The hens stay safe in the coop after sunset.
Etymology
The ancestor meant a large wicker basket or cask. The poultry sense narrows that general container meaning to an enclosure for keeping birds.
In context
The chickens refused to leave their coop. This was a terrible omen that must have shocked all who witnessed it.
More examples
- We clean both chicken coops every Saturday.
- Don't coop the birds up all day.
- Rain keeps us cooped up indoors all weekend.
Forms
coop · coops · cooped · cooping