plural ducks
Definition of duck
(Entry 1 of 4)
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
—often used figuratively in phrases like have one's ducks in a row, get one's ducks in a row, or put one's ducks in a row to describe being or becoming thoroughly prepared or organized Her program's 10-week curriculum … uses a budget book to help first-timers get their financial ducks in a row.— Eileen JenkinsI'm to prepare for a formal review in two weeks. Reserve a conference room. Get all my ducks in a row.— Chuck PalahniukThe association was set to move forward last spring, then realized it didn't have its ducks in a row and essentially requested a Congressional bailout.— Pat FordeI was sure I had all of my ducks in a row before the event finally arrived. Somehow, it didn't turn out as planned.— Jerry Carlson… had prepared for a year, meeting with institutional investors and putting its ducks in a row for public scrutiny for months …— Alex Konrad
b
: the flesh of any of these birds used as food
The menu features roast duck.
2
: a female duck — compare drake
4
chiefly British
: darling
—often used in plural but singular in construction 'You all right, ducks?' Mum asked. 'You've got no colour at all.'— Nan Chauncy
duck
verb
ducked; ducking; ducks
Definition of duck (Entry 2 of 4)
2a
: to move quickly
b
: to evade a duty, question, or responsibility
3a
: to plunge under the surface of water
b
: to descend suddenly : dip
1
: to lower (the head, the body, etc.) quickly : bow
duck
noun (2)Definition of duck (Entry 3 of 4)
: an instance of ducking
duck
noun (3)Definition of duck (Entry 4 of 4)
1
: a durable closely woven usually cotton fabric
2
ducks plural
: light clothes and especially trousers made of duck
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for duck
The first known use of duck was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century