noun
moorhen
MOOR-hen
Moorhen (noun) means a medium-sized water bird of the genus Gallinula, in the rail family, that feeds along the edges of open water. Example: “Moorhens paddled quietly near the reeds.”
noun
1
A medium-sized water bird of the genus Gallinula, in the rail family, that feeds along the edges of open water.
"Moorhens paddled quietly near the reeds."
"A pair of moorhens nested by the pond this spring."
"You can spot moorhens by their red beaks with yellow tips."
2
UK In the UK, a female red grouse.
"The gamekeeper pointed out a moorhen among the grouse on the moor."
"On the estate, hunters distinguish the moorhen from the male grouse by its colouring."
How to use moorhen
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA common water bird seen paddling at the edges of ponds and rivers.
When to use it
A everyday, non-technical name used in general birdwatching contexts.
Memory tip
Note the second, less common UK sense referring to a female red grouse, not a water bird.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
a pair of moorhens
moorhen chicks
spot a moorhen
moorhens nesting
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_____ paddled quietly near the reeds.
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.
Synonyms
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marsh hen
gallinule
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.
What is the meaning of moorhen?
"moorhen" (noun) means a medium-sized water bird of the genus Gallinula, in the rail family, that feeds along the edges of open water.
