waterfowl

noun

wa·​ter·​fowl ˈwȯ-tər-ˌfau̇(-ə)l How to pronounce waterfowl (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 The swift placement effort was supported in part by community donations, including more than 70 bags of waterfowl feed provided by a local business, according to the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus. Cierra Morgan connect april 20, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026 The dynamic beach and dune habitats there are home to a whopping 370 different bird species, from migratory waterfowl to shorebirds to raptors. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for waterfowl

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of waterfowl was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Waterfowl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waterfowl. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

waterfowl

noun
wa·​ter·​fowl ˈwȯt-ər-ˌfau̇l How to pronounce waterfowl (audio)
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

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