la volaille

Definition & meaning

The French word volaille refers to birds that are raised for human consumption, collectively known in English as poultry.

1. General sense: It refers to farmyard birds such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, or guinea fowl.
2. Culinary sense: It refers to the meat derived from these birds, which is cooked and served as food.

Grammar & Word origin

• Grammar: It is a feminine noun (la volaille). It is often used as a collective noun, meaning it refers to the group of animals or the type of meat in general.
• Word origin: The word originates from the Old French volaile, derived from the Latin volatile, which meant "winged animals" or "birds" (from volare, meaning "to fly").

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• Basse-cour↗ (referring to the farmyard animals)
• Oiseau de basse-cour↗
• Chair à plumes↗ (a more descriptive or literary way to refer to the meat)

Antonyms:

• Gibier↗ (game animals, which are hunted rather than farmed)
• Viande de boucherie↗ (usually refers specifically to red meats like beef, pork, or lamb, as opposed to poultry)