Meat vs. Chicken — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 7, 2023
Meat is the edible flesh of animals, while chicken specifically refers to the meat from a domesticated fowl.
Difference Between Meat and Chicken
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Meat and chicken are terms often used in culinary contexts, but they have distinctive meanings and applications. Meat is a broad term that encompasses the edible flesh from various animals, including cows, pigs, and sheep. Chicken, on the other hand, narrows this definition to specifically refer to the flesh of a domesticated fowl.
In everyday language, when people refer to meat, they might be talking about beef, pork, or even venison. Chicken, however, leaves no ambiguity as it's explicitly the meat from the bird. It's common to hear phrases like "white meat" or "dark meat" when discussing parts of the chicken, further emphasizing the distinction between the broader term of meat and the specific reference to chicken.
From a nutritional standpoint, both meat and chicken provide protein, though their nutritional profiles can differ. Red meats, which can be higher in saturated fats, contrast with the leaner profile of chicken, especially the breast. However, one can't merely assume that all meats have a higher fat content than chicken, as cuts and preparation methods play a significant role.
In cultural and dietary preferences, meat and chicken also occupy different spaces. Some might abstain from red meat for health or religious reasons but will consume chicken. Vegetarianism aside, there are specific diets that focus on poultry, like chicken, as the primary source of protein, further distinguishing it from other meats.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Edible flesh of animals.
Flesh of a domesticated fowl.
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Variety
Includes beef, pork, lamb, etc.
Specifically refers to the bird.
Nutritional Profile
Varies; can be high in saturated fats.
Generally leaner, especially the breast.
Usage in Diet
Common in many global cuisines.
Commonly consumed as an alternative to red meat.
Cultural Context
Eaten widely, but abstained from in some religions.
Often considered separate from red meats in dietary guidelines.
Compare with Definitions
Meat
The main part of a meal, often providing protein.
The centerpiece of the dinner was a large meat roast.
Chicken
A domesticated fowl used for meat and eggs.
The farm had a large coop full of chickens.
Meat
Edible flesh from animals.
The stew had various types of meat in it.
Chicken
The chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), a subspecies of the red junglefowl, is a type of domesticated fowl, originally from Southeastern Asia. Rooster or cock is a term for an adult male bird, and younger male may be called a cockerel.
Meat
The edible part of a fruit or nut.
The meat of the coconut is rich and creamy.
Chicken
A domestic fowl kept for its eggs or meat, especially a young one
Rationing was still in force and most people kept chickens
Meat
The most essential or important part of something.
The meat of the argument became clear in the end.
Chicken
A game in which the first person to lose their nerve and withdraw from a dangerous situation is the loser
He was killed by a car after he lay in the road playing chicken
Meat
A person's muscle or the physical body.
The athlete trained hard to build his meat.
Chicken
Cowardly
I was too chicken to go to court
Meat
Meat is animal flesh that is eaten as food. Humans have hunted and killed animals for meat since prehistoric times.
Chicken
Withdraw from or fail in something through lack of nerve
The referee chickened out of giving a penalty
Meat
The edible flesh of animals, especially that of mammals as opposed to that of fish or poultry.
Chicken
A common domesticated fowl (Gallus domesticus) widely raised for meat and eggs and believed to be descended from the jungle fowl G. gallus.
Meat
The edible part, as of a piece of fruit or a nut.
Chicken
Any of various similar or related birds.
Meat
The essence, substance, or gist
The meat of the editorial.
Chicken
The flesh of the chicken, used as food.
Meat
(Slang) Something that one enjoys or excels in; a forte
Tennis is his meat.
Chicken
(Slang) A coward.
Meat
Nourishment; food
"Love is not all.
Chicken
Any of various foolhardy competitions in which the participants persist in a dangerous course of action until one loses nerve and stops.
Meat
The human body regarded as an object of sexual desire.
Chicken
Vulgar Slang A young gay male, especially as sought by an older man.
Meat
The genitals.
Chicken
Afraid; cowardly.
Meat
(uncountable) The flesh (muscle tissue) of an animal used as food.
A large portion of domestic meat production comes from animals raised on factory farms.
The homesteading teenager shot a deer to supply his family with wild meat for the winter.
Chicken
To act in a cowardly manner; lose one's nerve
Chickened out at the last moment.
Meat
(countable) A type of meat, by anatomic position and provenance.
The butchery's profit rate on various meats varies greatly.
Chicken
(countable) A domesticated species of junglefowl (usually, Gallus gallus; sometimes, Gallus gallus domesticus or Gallus domesticus), especially so-called when young.
Meat
Food, for animals or humans, especially solid food. See also meat and drink.
Chicken
(uncountable) The meat from this bird eaten as food.
Meat
A type of food, a dish.
Chicken
(archaic) The young of any bird; a chick.
Meat
(archaic) A meal.
Chicken
A coward.
Meat
(obsolete) Meal; flour.
Chicken
A young or inexperienced person.
Meat
(uncountable) Any relatively thick, solid part of a fruit, nut etc.
The apple looked fine on the outside, but the meat was not very firm.
Chicken
A young, attractive, slim man, usually having little body hair; compare chickenhawk.
Meat
(slang) A penis.
Chicken
The game of dare.
Meat
(colloquial) The best or most substantial part of something.
We recruited him right from the meat of our competitor.
Chicken
A confrontational game in which the participants move toward each other at high speed (usually in automobiles); the player who turns first to avoid colliding into the other is the chicken (that is, the loser).
Don't play chicken with a freight train; you're guaranteed to lose.
Meat
(sports) The sweet spot of a bat or club (in cricket, golf, baseball etc.).
He hit it right on the meat of the bat.
Chicken
A simple dance in which the movements of a chicken are imitated.
Meat
(slang) A meathead.
Throw it in here, meat.
Chicken
A kilogram of cocaine.
Meat
(Australian Aboriginal) A totem, or (by metonymy) a clan or clansman which uses it.
Chicken
Plural of chick
Meat
Food, in general; anything eaten for nourishment, either by man or beast. Hence, the edible part of anything; as, the meat of a lobster, a nut, or an egg.
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, . . . to you it shall be for meat.
Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you.
Chicken
(informal) Cowardly.
Why do you refuse to fight? Huh, I guess you're just too chicken.
Meat
The flesh of animals used as food; esp., animal muscle; as, a breakfast of bread and fruit without meat.
Chicken
(intransitive) To avoid a situation one is afraid of.
Meat
Dinner; the chief meal.
Chicken
A young bird or fowl, esp. a young barnyard fowl.
Meat
To supply with food.
His shield well lined, his horses meated well.
Chicken
A young person; a child; esp. a young woman; a maiden; same as spring chicken.
Meat
The flesh of animals (including fishes and birds and snails) used as food
Chicken
The flesh of a chicken used for food
Meat
The inner and usually edible part of a seed or grain or nut or fruit stone;
Black walnut kernels are difficult to get out of the shell
Chicken
A domestic fowl bred for flesh or eggs; believed to have been developed from the red jungle fowl
Meat
The choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience;
The gist of the prosecutor's argument
The heart and soul of the Republican Party
The nub of the story
Chicken
A person who lacks confidence, is irresolute and wishy-washy
Chicken
A foolhardy competition; a dangerous activity that is continued until one competitor becomes afraid and stops
Chicken
Easily frightened
Chicken
A person who is easily frightened or lacks courage.
Don't be such a chicken; it's just a small spider!
Chicken
A game in which two drivers drive toward each other to see who will swerve first.
The teenagers were playing chicken with their cars, which is very dangerous.
Chicken
A count or tally.
Let's do a quick chicken of all the supplies.
Common Curiosities
Why do some diets prefer chicken over other meats?
Chicken, especially its breast, is leaner than many red meats and is often chosen for its lower fat content.
What is meat?
Meat is the edible flesh of animals.
Can the term "chicken" be used metaphorically?
Yes, calling someone a "chicken" can imply they're fearful or lack courage.
Is chicken considered white meat?
Yes, chicken is generally categorized as white meat, especially parts like the breast.
Can meat also refer to the edible part of fruits?
Yes, in some contexts, the edible part of fruits or nuts is referred to as the "meat."
Are there different cuts of chicken?
Yes, chicken can be divided into parts like breasts, thighs, wings, and drumsticks.
Is chicken popular globally?
Yes, chicken is a widely consumed meat in many parts of the world.
Why might someone choose meat over chicken or vice versa in their diet?
Choices can be based on health, taste preferences, dietary restrictions, or cultural and religious practices.
Are there different nutritional values in chicken compared to red meats?
Yes, chicken typically has less saturated fat than many red meats, making it a choice for heart-healthy diets.
What animals can be sources of meat?
Animals like cows, pigs, sheep, deer, and many others can be sources of meat.
How does chicken differ from other meats?
Chicken specifically refers to the meat from a domesticated fowl, unlike meat, which can be from various animals.
Can "meat" refer to something essential in non-food contexts?
Yes, "meat" can metaphorically refer to the essential or central part of a matter or issue.
Is it safe to eat raw chicken?
No, raw chicken can contain harmful bacteria, so it's recommended to cook it thoroughly before consumption.
What's the difference between "white meat" and "dark meat" in chicken?
"White meat" refers to lean parts like the breast, while "dark meat" includes legs and thighs, which have more fat.
Is chicken meat easier to cook than other meats?
Chicken often cooks faster than denser meats but requires careful handling to avoid foodborne illnesses.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
