goldeneye

[gohl-duhn-ahy]

noun

plural

goldeneyes ,

plural

goldeneye .

1. either of two diving ducks, Bucephala clangula, of Eurasia and North America, or B. islandica Barrow's goldeneye, of North America, having bright yellow eyes.

2. Also called golden-eyed fly. a lacewing of the family Chrysopidae.

goldeneye

/ ˈɡəʊldənˌaɪ /

noun

1. either of two black-and-white diving ducks, Bucephala clangula or B. islandica, of northern regions

2. any lacewing of the family Chrysopidae that has a greenish body and eyes of a metallic lustre

Word History and Origins

Origin of goldeneye¹

First recorded in 1670–80; golden + eye

Example Sentences

Potential bird sightings include gadwalls and buffleheads, dazzling ducks like the common goldeneye and the red-breasted merganser and tons of gulls, including the laughing gull and the ring-billed gull.

Read more on New York Times

While the drone and boat operators were zealous in hazing the goose and four other birds - common goldeneye ducks - on Nov. 9, they did so as part of demonstration of the new technology.

Read more on Washington Times

“There’s a goldeneye,” he said, pointing to a winsome little duck paddling among a thicket of brawny geese.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Also spotted, but in fewer numbers, were snow geese, buffleheads, redheads, goldeneyes, American widgeon, ruddy, ring-necked, canvasbacks, scaup and wood ducks.

Read more on Washington Times

At least 80 birds, including surf scoters, buffleheads and common goldeneyes, have died.

Read more on Salon