“Brood” is both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it means a group of young birds or animals born at the same time. As a verb, it means to think deeply and often gloomily about something that’s bothering you—like when someone keeps turning the same worry over in their head.
In everyday life, you might hear a farmer say, “The hen is protecting her brood of chicks,” or a friend complain, “Don’t just sit there brooding about the exam—let’s grab coffee and move on.” People use it to describe both a literal bunch of babies and the mental habit of worrying in silence.
Meaning & Usage Examples
• Noun: “A brood of ducklings waddled after their mother.”
• Verb: “He brooded all weekend after the argument.”
Context / Common Use
The noun pops up in nature shows or farm talk; the verb is common in casual conversation when someone looks moody or withdrawn. If someone says, “She’s brooding,” they usually mean she’s stuck in her own head, not happy about something.
Can “brood” mean anything positive?
Not really. Whether it’s chicks or thoughts, the word hints at a protective or worried focus rather than joy.
Is “brood” formal or slang?
It’s standard English—neither fancy nor slang—so you can use it anywhere.
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