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.
The center is permitted for all native wildlife, ranging from opossums, skunks, raccoons to songbirds, waterfowl, reptiles, and amphibians, Hamlin said. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 2 July 2025 Once farmers no longer receive funds from foreign waterfowl hunters, however, the ducks will suffer the consequences. Chris Dorsey, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 My job was to examine sites for future waterfowl refuges in what is today the lower Mississippi Valley Flyway. Nash Buckingham, Outdoor Life, 19 June 2025 Researchers tracked species nationwide and found declines almost everywhere — even among birds once thought resilient, like waterfowl. Alayna Alvarez, Axios, 31 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Waterfowl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waterfowl. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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

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