Definition

Noun: A social gathering or celebration attended exclusively by women, typically held for a bride-to-be shortly before her wedding.

Usage

A "hen party" is a celebratory event. It is specifically for women to honor a friend who is about to get married. The party is usually organized by the bride's close friends or bridesmaids.

Examples

• Her friends organized a surprise hen party at a spa.
• She didn't want a big hen party, just a quiet dinner with her closest friends.
• The hen party lasted all weekend and was filled with laughter and games.

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily used in British and Commonwealth English (e.g., UK, Ireland, Australia). In American English, the equivalent term is commonly "bachelorette party" or "bachelorette."
• While traditionally a night out, modern hen parties can encompass a wide range of activities, from weekend trips and craft workshops to afternoon teas and sporting events.

Variants and Related Words

• Bachelorette Party (noun): The common American English equivalent for a hen party.
• Hen Night (noun): Often used interchangeably with "hen party," though it may specifically imply an evening event.
• Stag Party (noun): The male equivalent, a party for a groom-to-be attended only by men (called a "bachelor party" in American English).

Synonyms

• Bachelorette party
• Bachelorette
• Hen night
• Girls' night out (though this is a more general term not exclusively for a bride)

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Hen do: Another common informal term for a hen party, especially in the UK. (e.g., "Are you going to Sarah's hen do?")
• To have a hen party: The verb phrase used to describe the action. (e.g., "We're having her hen party next month.")

Noun

1. a party for women only