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

Hunters’ interests also tend to shift away from doves once deer and waterfowl seasons open. —Matt Wyatt, Houston Chronicle, 23 Mar. 2026

Hundreds of waterfowl have turned up dead across Georgica Pond this month, and locals are blaming bird flu. —Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 10 Mar. 2026

The complete license would cost $150 and include a base hunting license, two deer licenses, one antlerless deer license, an all-species fishing license, a spring and fall wild turkey hunting license, a waterfowl hunting license, a pheasant hunting license, and a fur harvester's license. —Paul Egan, Freep.com, 7 Mar. 2026

The dam created Guana Lake, now a waterfowl habitat. —Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 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