What does "broody" mean?
A female bird in the condition to incubate eggs; a broody hen, duck, etc.
Broody
/ˈbɹuːdi/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A female bird in the condition to incubate eggs; a broody hen, duck, etc.
- Grammar: broody is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: pensive, brood hen, brooding, broody hen.
- Useful contrasts: cheerful, nonbroody, optimistic.
- Usage evidence: “Clayton's getting so broody. This might help put things into perspective for him. I want a family, but I need to establish my career first." "I'm not in a rush," Clayton countered. "You practically teared up at the sight of Serena's tiny socks the other day. You've got baby fever bad."
How to use "broody"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "broody" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "broody" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "broody" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "broody" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "broody" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "pensive" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "broody", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A female bird in the condition to incubate eggs; a broody hen, duck, etc.
"There are six broodies in that coop."
- 2 a domestic hen ready to brood wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Of birds: sitting persistently and protectively on a nest, in order to hatch eggs.
"a broody hen"
- 2 Of any creature or person: showing an interest in raising young.
"“Clayton's getting so broody. This might help put things into perspective for him. I want a family, but I need to establish my career first." "I'm not in a rush," Clayton countered. "You practically teared up at the sight of Serena's tiny socks the other day. You've got baby fever bad.""
- 3 Brooding, dwelling upon one's thoughts; moody.
"Then, with unshorn beard and matted hair tangled with straw, his clothes smeared with slime of obscene things which are begotten of damp and darkness, his thoughts broody with wrath and revenge, Kynon was marched through the streets[…]"
- 4 Gloomy.
"Broody clouds hung low against the water. None of this bothered the jBoat sailors, whose nimble craft challenged devilish winds and currents. A pod of twenty-two footers raced and frolicked like ten-year-olds on skateboards."
Adjective
- 1 deeply or seriously thoughtful wordnet
- 2 physiologically ready to incubate eggs wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"“Clayton's getting so broody. This might help put things into perspective for him. I want a family, but I need to establish my career first." "I'm not in a rush," Clayton countered. "You practically teared up at the sight of Serena's tiny socks the other day. You've got baby fever bad.""
Common questions
What is a synonym for "broody"?
Common synonyms include: pensive, brood hen, brooding, broody hen, chapfallen, contemplative.
How do you use "broody" in a sentence?
“Clayton's getting so broody. This might help put things into perspective for him. I want a family, but I need to establish my career first." "I'm not in a rush," Clayton countered. "You practically teared up at the sight of Serena's tiny socks the other day. You've got baby fever bad."
How do you pronounce "broody"?
Pronounced /ˈbɹuːdi/.
Etymology
From Middle English *brody, *brodi, from Old English brōdiġ (“broody”), equivalent to brood + -y. Cognate with German brütig (“broody”).