poultry

noun

poul·​try ˈpōl-trē How to pronounce poultry (audio)
Synonyms of poultrynext
: domesticated birds kept for eggs or meat

Examples of poultry in a Sentence

This wine goes well with poultry.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The bacteria is most often spread through raw or undercooked poultry or cross-contamination during food preparation, and adults 65 and older face a greater risk of severe illness. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 New York — After successfully remaking the Whopper, Burger King is now shifting its focus from patties to poultry. — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026 Plant sage with other herbs to create a poultry seasoning pot. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Aug. 2026 People can become infected with salmonella by eating raw and undercooked foods, such as meat, poultry, eggs and raw milk. — Eva Flowe august 21, Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for poultry

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pultrie, from Anglo-French pulletrie, from pulleter poulterer, from pullet chicken — more at pullet

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of poultry was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

poultice
poultry
poultry bug
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Poultry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poultry. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

poultry

noun
poul·​try ˈpōl-trē How to pronounce poultry (audio)
: domesticated birds kept for eggs or meat
Etymology

Middle English pultrie "fowl raised for food," from early French pulletrie (same meaning), from pulleter "one who raises poultry," from pullet "chicken" — related to pullet

More from Merriam-Webster on poultry

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for poultry

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about poultry

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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