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

To the list of protected birds it added Atlantic brant, canvasback and redhead ducks.

From Time Magazine Archive

For dinner a director of the Pennsylvania Railroad had presented a canvasback duck.

From Time Magazine Archive

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

Their celery-fed canvasbacks may be better—never had a chance to try them—but the canvasback in this country can't touch the mallards.

From The Adventures of Bobby Orde by Brehm, Worth