adjective

henpecked

HEN-pekt

Quiz me More like this

Henpecked (adjective) means Constantly nagged and dominated by a wife, girlfriend or other partner, especially said of a man. Example: “Her henpecked husband never dared to disagree with her in public.”

adjective

informal Constantly nagged and dominated by a wife, girlfriend or other partner, especially said of a man.

"Her henpecked husband never dared to disagree with her in public."

"Friends teased him for being so henpecked that he asked permission for everything."

"He joked that he had turned into a henpecked boyfriend since moving in with her."

How to use henpecked

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHenpecked describes someone who is bossed around and nagged so much by a partner that they barely stand up for themselves.

When to use it

The word is informal and carries a joking or mildly mocking tone, so it suits casual speech rather than formal writing.

Memory tip

Remember the image behind it: a hen pecking away, which is why it is almost always used about being worn down by nagging.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

henpecked husband henpecked boyfriend feel henpecked a henpecked man

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like henpecked.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

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 “henpecked” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Her _____ husband never dared to disagree with her in public.

Etymology

Henpecked is built from hen and pecked, joining the two words directly. It pictures a hen pecking at something, applied to a person worn down by constant nagging.

Origin: English

Synonyms

View more →

under the thumb dominated

Rhymes for henpecked

decked wrecked checked unchecked shipwrecked

See all rhymes for henpecked →

Frequently asked questions

What does henpecked mean?

It describes someone, usually a man, who is dominated and constantly nagged by his wife or partner.

Is henpecked an insult?

It is informal and can sound mocking, so it is best avoided in a serious or respectful description of a relationship.

Where does the word henpecked come from?

It combines hen and pecked, comparing constant nagging to a hen pecking repeatedly at something.

What is the meaning of henpecked?

"henpecked" (adjective) means constantly nagged and dominated by a wife, girlfriend or other partner, especially said of a man.