duck

noun, often attributive \ ˈdək \

|Updated on: 21 Aug 2018

Definition of duck

plural ducks

1 or plural duck

a : any of various swimming birds (family Anatidae, the duck family) in which the neck and legs are short, the feet typically webbed, the bill often broad and flat, and the sexes usually different from each other in plumage

b : the flesh of any of these birds used as food

2 : a female duck — compare drake

3 : person, creature

4 chiefly British : darling —often used in plural but singular in construction

Illustration of duck

Origin and Etymology of duck

Middle English duk, doke, from Old English dūce

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

Other Birds Terms

aerie, bunting, clutch, covey, hackle, ratite, rictus, ruff, skein, zygodactyl

duck

verb

Definition of duck

intransitive verb

1 a : to lower the head or body suddenly : dodge

b : bow, bob

2 a : to move quickly

b : to evade a duty, question, or responsibility

3 a : to plunge under the surface of water

b : to descend suddenly : dip

transitive verb

1 : to lower (the head, the body, etc.) quickly : bow

2 : avoid, evade

duck the issue

3 British : to thrust (someone or something) underwater : dunk

—

ducker

noun

See duck defined for English-language learners

Examples of duck in a Sentence

The ceiling was so low I had to duck.
The ceiling was so low I had to duck my head.
He ducked his head so they wouldn't see him.
We can't afford to duck the issue any longer.
They've been ducking each other for months.
She ducked into a store when it started to rain.
He ducked around a corner.

Origin and Etymology of duck

Middle English douken; akin to Old High German tūhhan to dive, Old English dūce duck

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 3

See Words from the same year

duck Synonyms

Phrases

fight shy of, keep clear of, stay clear of, steer clear of;

duck

noun

Definition of duck

: an instance of ducking

First Known Use of duck

1554

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

duck

noun

Definition of duck

1 : a durable closely woven usually cotton fabric

2 ducks plural : light clothes and especially trousers made of duck

Origin and Etymology of duck

Dutch doek cloth; akin to Old High German tuoh cloth

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1640

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Textiles Terms

batt, bias, brocade, flock, lawn, toile

DUCK Defined for English Language Learners

duck

verb

Definition of duck for English Language Learners

: to lower your head or body suddenly to avoid being seen or hit
: to lower (your head) suddenly
: to avoid (something, such as a punch) by lowering your head or body suddenly

DUCK Defined for Kids

duck

noun \ ˈdək \

Definition of duck for Students

: a swimming bird that has a broad flat bill and is smaller than the related goose and swan

duck

verb

Definition of duck for Students

ducked; ducking

1 : to push under water for a moment

The swan ducked its head.

2 : to lower the head or body suddenly

You have to duck through the doorway.

3 : to avoid by moving quickly

He ducked the punch.

4 : to avoid a duty, question, or responsibility Let's duck out of work early.

Medical Dictionary

duck

noun \ ˈdək \

medical Definition of duck

plural ducks or duck

: any of various swimming birds (family Anatidae, the duck family) in which the neck and legs are short, the feet typically webbed, the bill often broad and flat, and the sexes usually different from each other in plumage