cockerel

noun

cock·​er·​el ˈkä-k(ə-)rəl How to pronounce cockerel (audio)
: a young male of the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus)

Examples of cockerel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The decree says that anyone who forces animals like dogs or cockerels to fight should be sentenced to five months in prison. — Mick Krever, CNN Money, 1 Mar. 2026 The cockerel had been crowing for a good while before that, but today Archie was literally up with the lark. — Literary Hub, 23 Apr. 2026 The black-and-white studio image features a Bresse Gauloise (a French breed) cockerel named Jean-Pierre. — Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 While the sight of Lamia carrying around the proud cockerel has the makings of an image straight out of a children’s tale, nothing in the little girl’s life has storybook qualities. — Tomris Laffly, Variety, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cockerel

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cokerelle, from Anglo-French cokerel, diminutive of coc

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cockerel was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

cocker
cockerel
cockermeg
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cockerel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cockerel. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cockerel

noun
cock·​er·​el ˈkäk-(ə-)rəl How to pronounce cockerel (audio)
: a young male domestic chicken
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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