poultry

noun

poul·​try ˈpōl-trē How to pronounce poultry (audio)
: 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.
His daughter, philanthropist Mitzi Perdue, widow of the late poultry magnate Frank Perdue, is among the heirs selling the 104-acre spread for $15 million, co-listed with Compass agents Sean Bakhtiari and Colby Coppage. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2025 The virus most commonly spreads among wild birds but can also infect poultry, livestock and other mammals, including goats, coyotes and opossums. Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025 Eating healthy, oily fish, which are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, is encouraged, while eggs, dairy and poultry are eaten in much smaller portions than in the traditional Western diet. Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025 Red meats and poultry are made into these products by salting, curing, fermenting, smoking, or adding chemical preservatives. Merve Ceylan, Health, 15 Sep. 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Poultry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poultry. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

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

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