Definition

1. Noun:
   • An American breed of domestic fowl: "Plymouth Rock" refers to a specific, hardy breed of chicken, known for its barred (striped) black and white feathers and its value as both a source of eggs and meat.
   • A boulder in Plymouth, Massachusetts: "Plymouth Rock" is a famous historical landmark, a large granite boulder traditionally identified as the site where William Bradford and the Pilgrims who arrived on the Mayflower first stepped ashore in 1620.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Breed of Chicken):

  • The farmer raises Plymouth Rocks because they are excellent dual-purpose birds.
  • The barred Plymouth Rock is a popular choice for backyard flocks.

• Noun (Historical Landmark):

  • Tourists often visit Plymouth Rock to see a symbol of America's founding.
  • The exact location where the Pilgrims landed is debated, but tradition points to Plymouth Rock.

Advanced Usage

• "the spirit of Plymouth Rock": This phrase can be used metaphorically to refer to the pioneering, foundational spirit associated with the Pilgrims and early American settlement.
  • The settlers moved west with the spirit of Plymouth Rock in their hearts.

Variants and Related Words

• Pilgrims (n): The English settlers who founded Plymouth Colony and are associated with the landmark.
• Mayflower (n): The ship that carried the Pilgrims to the New World in 1620.
• Barred Rock (n): A common informal name for the Plymouth Rock breed of chicken, referring to its feather pattern.

Synonyms

• Landmark (n): For the historical site, a synonym could be "monument" or "historical site."
• Breed (n): For the chicken, a synonym is "variety" or "strain" of poultry.

Related Phrases

• "As American as Plymouth Rock": An idiom (though less common than others like "apple pie") used to describe something quintessentially American or rooted in early American history.
  • That old-fashioned fair is as American as Plymouth Rock.

Noun

1. an American breed of domestic fowl
2. a boulder in Plymouth supposed to be where the Pilgrims disembarked from the Mayflower