moorhen
2 synonyms for moorhen, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A medium-sized water bird of the genus Gallinula, in the rail family, that feeds along the edges of open water.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
marsh hen
gallinule
How to use moorhen
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a pair of moorhens
moorhen chicks
spot a moorhen
moorhens nesting
A everyday, non-technical name used in general birdwatching contexts.
Etymology
The word comes from Middle English morhen, and may go back to an Old English form related to moor and hen. It is generally understood as a combination of moor and hen.
Full origin of moorhen →Frequently asked questions
What is a moorhen?
It is a medium-sized water bird in the rail family, usually seen feeding at the edges of ponds, lakes and rivers.
What family of birds does a moorhen belong to?
It belongs to the rail family, in the genus Gallinula.
Does moorhen only mean a water bird?
Mostly, but in the UK it can also refer to a female red grouse.
