waterfowl

noun

wa·​ter·​fowl ˈwȯ-tər-ˌfau̇(-ə)l How to pronounce waterfowl (audio)
ˈwä-
plural waterfowl also waterfowls
: a bird that frequents water
especially : a swimming game bird (such as a duck or goose) as distinguished from an upland game bird or shorebird

Examples of waterfowl in a Sentence

The lake is a refuge for migrating waterfowl.
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.
Wild birds most likely to be infected include waterfowl, such as ducks and geese. — Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025 Paddlers can wind their way via canoe or kayak through Cane Bayou, surrounded by cypress trees, turtles, waterfowl, and other creatures. — Casey Barber, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2025 Still, the region’s nonnative waterfowl, which mingle with wild birds and also waddle through urban and suburban habitats, could become a conduit for the disease, possibly spreading it to domestic birds, pets and humans. — Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2025 Zoom in: The 15th annual Eagle Watch event provides bird lovers and raptor fanatics the opportunity to see the predators dive for shad and waterfowl in the rushing waters of the Columbia and take a snooze in the trees surrounding Westrick Park. — Meira Gebel, Axios, 24 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for waterfowl

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of waterfowl was in the 14th century

Rhymes for waterfowl

See All Rhymes for waterfowl

Browse Nearby Words

waterfowl
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Cite this Entry

“Waterfowl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waterfowl. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

waterfowl

noun
wa·​ter·​fowl ˈwȯt-ər-ˌfau̇l How to pronounce waterfowl (audio)
ˈwät-
plural waterfowl also waterfowls
: a bird that is found in or near water
especially : a swimming bird (as a duck or goose) often hunted as game

More from Merriam-Webster on waterfowl

Nglish: Translation of waterfowl for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about waterfowl

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