duck — a waterbird with webbed feet and a broad flat bill
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a waterbird with webbed feet and a broad flat bill
Pronunciation (IPA): /dʌk/
Example Sentences
- The rubber duck in my bathtub is my best friend when I'm stressed.
- He had to duck quickly when his wife threw the pillow at him.
- The wild ducks migrate south every winter.
duck
NOUN[/dʌk/]
a waterbird with webbed feet and a broad flat bill
She had to duck quickly as the low branch swung toward her face.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Duck derives from Old English 'duce', a word named after the diving motion of the bird. The term originated from the bird's characteristic behavior of plunging its head underwater to search for food, which gave rise to both the noun for the waterfowl and the verb meaning 'to lower or bend down'.
Breakdown
Old English 'duce' (to dive, to duck) → Middle English 'ducken' → Modern English 'duck'. The root refers to the downward plunging motion, with the agent noun (the bird) deriving from this action.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The rubber duck in my bathtub is my best friend when I'm stressed.”
“He had to duck quickly when his wife threw the pillow at him.”
“The wild ducks migrate south every winter.”
“Don't try to duck your responsibilities at work.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
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