canvasback

[ kan-vuhs-bak ]

noun

, plural can·vas·backs, (especially collectively) can·vas·back.

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

canvasback

/ ˈkænvəsˌbæk /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of canvasback¹

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

Example Sentences

I remember with pleasure the canvasback ducks that you sent to me at London, and which gave me and my friends so much pleasure.

From Project Gutenberg

Bingham bowed over his glass, and regretted that canvasback ducks and terrapin were not yet in season.

From Project Gutenberg

The red-head, both species of the scaups, the canvasback and the ruddy are commonly found on the fresh-waters.

From Project Gutenberg

Canvasback ducks are considered the finest of the water-fowls for the table.

From Project Gutenberg

The canvasback duck is so called from the appearance of the feathers on the back.

From Project Gutenberg