wildfowl

noun

wild·​fowl ˈwī(-ə)ld-ˌfau̇(-ə)l How to pronounce wildfowl (audio)
: a game bird
especially : a game waterfowl (such as a wild duck or goose)
wildfowler
ˈwī(-ə)ld-ˌfau̇-lər How to pronounce wildfowl (audio)
noun
wildfowling
ˈwī(-ə)ld-ˌfau̇-liŋ How to pronounce wildfowl (audio)
noun

Examples of wildfowl in a Sentence

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.
Petaluma Egg Farm has erected lasers that shoot over its fields and barn area to deter wildfowl from encroaching on its flock. — Chase Hunter, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2025 The wildfowl carving competition went off in late April as usual, with ornate carvings filling the Ocean City convention hall. — Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 11 May 2023

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wildfowl was before the 12th century

Rhymes for wildfowl

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Browse Nearby Words

wild four-o'clock
wildfowl
wild foxglove
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Cite this Entry

“Wildfowl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wildfowl. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

wildfowl

noun
wild·​fowl -ˌfau̇l How to pronounce wildfowl (audio)
: a bird and especially a waterfowl (as a wild duck) hunted as game

More from Merriam-Webster on wildfowl

Nglish: Translation of wildfowl for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wildfowl

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