Chicken Little

noun

Synonyms of Chicken Littlenext
: one who warns of or predicts calamity especially without justification

Synonyms

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Examples of Chicken Little in a Sentence

some called him Chicken Little, but the climatologist had the data to back up his warning on global warming
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.
But that fable is brief, so this Chicken Little turns the story on its head. — Josh Spiegel, Vulture, 24 July 2024 Chick is a family nickname for Chiles after the character Chicken Little. — Nasha Smith, Peoplemag, 30 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

from the fable in which a chick attempts to warn other barnyard animals that the sky is falling after she is struck on the head by a chance falling object

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Chicken Little was in 1895

Rhymes for Chicken Little

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Browse Nearby Words

chicken Kiev
Chicken Little
chicken-livered
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Cite this Entry

“Chicken Little.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Chicken%20Little. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

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