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 Department of the Interior did not return a request for comment from Forbes about the recent waterfowl deaths. — Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

The National Park Service (NPS) drained the pool, removing waterfowl feces and installing an elaborate pumping system that would bring water in from the Tidal Basin, circulate it through sand to keep it clean, and restore the pool to Bacon’s vision. — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 June 2026

At the turn of the 20th century, Marshy Point was a world-famous spot for waterfowl hunting. — Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 18 June 2026

The park preserves not only the trees, but also one of the last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges in Southern California. — Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for waterfowl

• afoul
• wildfowl
• foul
• foule
• fowl
• growl
• howl
• jowl
• owl
• prowl
• scowl

Kids 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