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

Wind, waterfowl and beavers can also keep areas of ice thin. —Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 27 Jan. 2026

Schoenrock cited the number of ducks counted during the Game and Fish Commission's mid-winter aerial waterfowl survey. —Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 25 Jan. 2026

According to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, the virus is primarily being spread by migrating wild waterfowl, including ducks and geese, which can carry and shed the virus without showing symptoms. —Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026

That’s why, says Dittmer, corn does have a place on the landscape as a useful tool for waterfowl managers. —Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 14 Jan. 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