canvasback

American  

[kan-vuhs-bak] / ˈkæn vəsˌbæk /

noun

plural

canvasbacks,

plural

canvasback

1. a North American wild duck, Aythya valisineria, the male of which has a whitish back and a reddish-brown head and neck.

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canvasback British  

/ ˈkænvəsˌbæk /

noun

1. a North American diving duck, Aythyra valisineria, the male of which has a white body and reddish-brown head

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Etymology

Origin of canvasback

An Americanism dating back to 1595–1605; after the canvaslike color of its back

Compare meaning

How does canvasback compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• canvasback vs. redhead

Example Sentences

On the banks of Yosemite Creek, brown-headed canvasback ducks plunged and preened.

From Washington Post • Jul. 1, 2021

Mallards, pintails and wigeon make up the bulk of the puddlers, while available divers include bluebills, redheads, buffleheads and an occasional canvasback.

From Time Magazine Archive

There is a limit of ten to a bag on canvasback, redhead, scaup, ringneck, all teals, gadwalls and shovellers.

From Time Magazine Archive

A dozen raw oysters, chicken gumbo, a terrapin stew, two canvasback ducks, mashed potatoes, lima beans, macaroni, asparagus, cole slaw and stewed corn, one hot mince pie and a quart of coffee.

From Time Magazine Archive

That boiled egg or the canvasback represents a running expense of at least a hundred dollars a day.

From The "Goldfish" by Train, Arthur Cheney