turkey-cock

noun

tur·​key-cock ˈtər-kē-ˌkäk How to pronounce turkey-cock (audio)
1
2
: a strutting pompous person

Examples of turkey-cock 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.
During the Ottoman Empire, guinea fowl were exported from East Africa via Turkey to Europe, and Europeans started calling the birds turkey-cocks or turkey-hens due to the trade route. House Beautiful, 18 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of turkey-cock was in 1578

Dictionary Entries Near turkey-cock

Cite this Entry

“Turkey-cock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turkey-cock. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

turkey-cock

noun
tur·​key-cock
ˈtər-kē-ˌkäk
: a male turkey
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