scaup

[ skawp ]

/ skɔp /

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noun

any of several diving ducks of the genus Aythya, especially A. marila(greater scaup ), of the Northern Hemisphere, having a bluish-gray bill.

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Also called scaup duck .

Origin of scaup

1665–75; by ellipsis from scaup duck, probably with Scots, N dial. scaup, scalp mussel bed (of uncertain origin)

Words nearby scaup

scattershot, scattersite housing, scatty, scaturient, scaud, scaup, scauper, scaur, scavenge, scavenge pump, scavenger

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use scaup in a sentence

The scaup came down the sky in dark masses, giving a rippling purr as they flew.
Wild Folk|Samuel Scoville
The lesser scaup, or little blue-bill (Aythya affinis) has a white speculum also, but the sheen of the head and neck is purple.
Game Birds and Game Fishes of the Pacific Coast|Harry Thom Payne
The nesting habits are the same as those of the Greater Scaup and the eggs are similar but smaller.
The Bird Book|Chester A. Reed
The Scaup Duck is very abundant in Holland during winter, covering the inland seas with immense flocks.
British Birds in their Haunts|Rev. C. A. Johns

It is an expert diver, and a flock of hundreds of scaup may sometimes be seen to immerse themselves at the same moment.
Poachers and Poaching|John Watson

British Dictionary definitions for scaup

scaup

scaup duck

/ (skɔːp) /

noun

either of two diving ducks, Aythya marila (greater scaup) or A. affinis (lesser scaup), of Europe and America, having a black-and-white plumage in the maleAlso called (US): bluebill, broadbill

Word Origin for scaup

C16: Scot variant of scalp

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012