: a young hen
specifically : a hen of the domestic chicken less than a year old

Examples of pullet in a Sentence

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.
Consequently, the company was obligated to cull 1.6 million laying hens and 337,000 pullets, which make up approximately 3.6% of the company's total flock as of its most recent report on March 2. Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 9 Apr. 2024 Chickens at a plant in Texas' panhandle have tested positive bird flu resulting in the slaughter of 1.6 million hens and 337,000 pullets (young hens). Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 3 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English polet, from Anglo-French pullet young bird, chicken, diminutive of pulle, poule young animal, from Late Latin pullus, from Latin, young animal, chicken, sprout — more at foal

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pullet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pullet. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

: a young hen
especially : a hen of the domestic chicken that is less than a year old
Etymology

Middle English polet "a young chicken or fowl," from early French pullet (same meaning), derived from earlier pulle, poule "young animal," from Latin pullus "young animal, chicken" — related to pool entry 3, poultry

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