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.
In response, mitigation measures were implemented—like installing nets over ponds and launching waterfowl protection research, in coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 5. Bill Frist, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 On the first floor of the center are a reception area, an exam room the size of a large closet, an incubator for baby birds, a waterfowl room with a little pool, and a high-tech machine that can test blood samples for the presence of lead. Ian Frazier, New Yorker, 5 May 2025 Several species of waterfowl nest on Alcatraz throughout the year. Kate Talerico, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2025 The university spent the next decade restoring the property into a wetland to reduce flooding in nearby neighborhoods and create habitat for waterfowl like mallards, coots, and Canada geese. Stephanie Hanes, Christian Science Monitor, 5 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Waterfowl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waterfowl. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on waterfowl

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