waterfowl
noun
wa·ter·fowl
ˈwȯ-tər-ˌfau̇(-ə)l 
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
The greatest risk is if waterfowl, like ducks and geese, are making stops in the same yard, potentially allowing interactions between chickens and wild birds.
—
Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
The virus can be spread by migrating waterfowl, and sandhill cranes passing through central Nebraska often share their Platte River habitat with geese, swans, ducks and more than 20 other bird species.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
The 5 Best Comforter Sets, According To Our Testing
What Is Down?
Down refers to the soft, fluffy undercoating found on waterfowl, primarily ducks and geese.
—Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 23 Mar. 2025
Duck, North Carolina A town as quaint as its name, Duck—home to fewer than 1,000 residents—is abundant in both waterfowl and welcoming charm.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for waterfowl
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Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
The virus can be spread by migrating waterfowl, and sandhill cranes passing through central Nebraska often share their Platte River habitat with geese, swans, ducks and more than 20 other bird species.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
The 5 Best Comforter Sets, According To Our Testing
What Is Down?
Down refers to the soft, fluffy undercoating found on waterfowl, primarily ducks and geese.
—Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 23 Mar. 2025
Duck, North Carolina A town as quaint as its name, Duck—home to fewer than 1,000 residents—is abundant in both waterfowl and welcoming charm.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for waterfowl
Cite this Entry
“Waterfowl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waterfowl. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
waterfowl
noun
wa·ter·fowl
ˈwȯt-ər-ˌfau̇l
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
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