Collective Noun for Hens

What Is a Group of Hens Called?

A group of hens is called a brood.
Collective NounUsage
brooda brood of hens
collective noun for hens

brood of hens

What Type of Word is "Brood"?

The word "brood" is a collective noun. A collective noun is a word used to represent a group of people, animals, or things.

"Brood Is" or "Brood Are"?

Writers are often unsure whether to treat a collective noun like "brood" as singular or plural. As a general rule, you should treat a collective noun as singular. However, if the context of your sentence focuses on the individuals within the group, you should treat it as plural. For example:
  • The brood is moving nearer. correct tick
  • The brood are moving in different directions. correct tick
Here are 300 more collective nouns for animals.
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This page was written by Craig Shrives.