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

Ducks and other waterfowl are the most common natural reservoir of avian influenza, and their migrations had carried the virus across most of the world. — John Drake, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026

At the turn of the 20th century, Marshy Point was a world-famous spot for waterfowl hunting. — Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 18 June 2026

The park preserves not only the trees, but also one of the last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges in Southern California. — Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026

Do not feed ducks, geese, other waterfowl, turtles or fish in areas where alligators have been seen. — Mark Price april 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 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