noun

capon

KAY-puhn

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Capon (noun) means a young cockerel that has been castrated and fattened up for eating. Example: “The farmer raised a few capons especially for the Christmas table.”

noun

A young cockerel that has been castrated and fattened up for eating.

"The farmer raised a few capons especially for the Christmas table."

"Roast capon used to be a common centrepiece at large family dinners."

"The butcher explained that a capon has more tender flesh than an ordinary cockerel."

How to use capon

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt is a young rooster that has been prepared and fattened purely for eating.

When to use it

This is an old-fashioned, mostly culinary or farming term rather than everyday vocabulary.

Memory tip

Think of capon as a chicken raised specifically for a roast dinner, similar in idea to a turkey.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

roast capon fattened capon raise a capon

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “capon” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The farmer raised a few _____ especially for the Christmas table.

Etymology

The word passed into English through Middle English capoun, going back to Old English capūn and then to an Old Northern French form, capon. Behind all of these lies the Latin word cāpō.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for capon

weapon

See all rhymes for capon →

Frequently asked questions

What is a capon in cooking terms?

It is a castrated cockerel that has been fattened, prized for producing tender, flavourful meat when roasted.

Why are capons fattened before eating?

Castrating a cockerel and fattening it produces meat that is more tender than that of an ordinary rooster.

Is a capon the same as a chicken?

A capon is a specific type of chicken, a young cockerel that has been castrated and fattened specifically for the table.

What is the meaning of capon?

"capon" (noun) means a young cockerel that has been castrated and fattened up for eating.