What is rooster? Pronunciation and usage in English

rooster means . Learn how to pronounce and use rooster through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of rooster

roosternoun

/ˈruːstə/
Definition & pronunciation of rooster

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "rooster." It's a tricky one for some! Here's a detailed guide:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • ˈrōstər

Let's break that down:

  • ˈrō - This part rhymes with "toe" or "low." The emphasis is on this syllable.
  • stər - This part sounds like "stir," but with an "r" at the end.

Here's a more visual way to think about it:

Imagine saying "rowster." Then, change the "w" to an "r."

Tips for getting it right:

  • The 'r' sound: Make sure you’re using a clear, rolled "r" sound, like in Spanish or Scottish English. (If you can't roll your 'r', just pronounce it firmly.)
  • Stress: Emphasize the first syllable ("ˈrō").

Resources to hear it:

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  • Give you some common mispronunciations?

Usage and examples with the word rooster in English

Let's break down how to use the word "rooster" in English. It's a fascinating word with a specific meaning!

1. Basic Definition: A Male Chicken

  • The primary and most common meaning of "rooster" is a males chicken, especially one that crows (makes a loud, distinctive call) at dawn.

    • Example: “The rooster crowed loudly at 5:00 AM, waking up the whole neighborhood.”
    • Example: “He kept a rooster as a pet.”

2. Figurative Uses - Often Relating to Confidence and Assertiveness

This is where it gets more interesting. “Rooster” is often used metaphorically to describe a person who is:

  • Proud and Boastful: Think of a rooster strutting around, showing off.

  • Aggressive and Dominant: A rooster will defend its territory, and so can be used to describe someone assertive.

  • Stubborn and Difficult to Reason With: Like a rooster refusing to give up its food, someone described as a "rooster" might be resistant to change or advice.

    • Example: “Don’t argue with him; he’s a real rooster and won’t listen to reason.”
    • Example: “The CEO was a rooster – always wanting to be the center of attention.”
    • Example: “He’s acting like a rooster over his new car, bragging about it all the time.”

3. Less Common Uses

  • A Young Rooster: Sometimes, “rooster” refers to a young male chicken, though “chick” or “pullet” are more common terms.
  • A Style or Pattern (Rare): Historically, "rooster" could describe a specific pattern in fabrics, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries. However, this use is very rare today.

Tips for Using it Correctly:

  • Context is Key: Pay attention to how the word is used in the sentence. Is it describing a bird or a person?
  • Figurative Use is More Modern: The use of "rooster" as a metaphor is a relatively recent development in the English language.

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • Explain a specific usage in more detail (e.g., the figurative meaning)?
  • Create a sentence using the word "rooster" in a particular way?

Synonyms for the word rooster

Practice with vocabulary rooster

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The vibrant plumage and territorial nature of the male chicken are characteristic of a ______.
  2. Each morning, the loud ______ serves as a natural alarm clock for the entire farmhouse.
  3. A female chicken, known as a ______, is primarily raised for egg production.
  4. Many cultures associate the arrival of ______ with new beginnings and the start of a fresh day.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following animals is characterized by crowing loudly, especially at daybreak? a) Duck b) Hen c) Rooster d) Goose

  2. Select the term(s) that commonly refer to an adult male chicken. a) Hen b) Chick c) Rooster d) Cock

  3. In traditional farming, which bird is often seen as a guardian of the flock and can be quite territorial? a) Pigeon b) Turkey c) Rooster d) Sparrow

  4. Which of these birds are typically kept for their eggs in a domestic setting? a) Geese b) Hens c) Ducks d) Turkeys

  5. What is the general term for domesticated birds raised for meat or eggs? a) Livestock b) Wildlife c) Poultry d) Herd

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The noisy male chicken woke the entire household early in the morning with its distinctive call. Rewrite: (Use "rooster")

  2. Original: That large farm bird with the colorful tail feathers is the leader of all the hens in the coop. Rewrite: (Use "rooster" or related word forms)

  3. Original: The earliest indication of dawn on the farm was always the sound of the main male bird's powerful vocalization. Rewrite: (Do not use "rooster", but use a suitable replacement word)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. rooster
  2. rooster
  3. hen
  4. dawn

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Rooster
  2. c) Rooster, d) Cock
  3. c) Rooster
  4. b) Hens, c) Ducks
  5. c) Poultry

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The rooster's distinctive crow woke the entire household early in the morning.
  2. The colorful-tailed rooster is the dominant bird leading the hens in the coop.
  3. The earliest indication of dawn on the farm was always the sound of the powerful crow.

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