waterfowl

American  

[waw-ter-foul, wot-er-] / ˈwɔ tərˌfaʊl, ˈwɒt ər- /

noun

plural

waterfowls,

plural

waterfowl

1. a water bird, especially a swimming bird.

2. such birds taken collectively, especially the swans, geese, and ducks.

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waterfowl British  

/ ˈwɔːtəˌfaʊl /

noun

1. any aquatic freshwater bird, esp any species of the family Anatidae (ducks, geese, and swans)

2. such birds collectively

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Etymology

Origin of waterfowl

1250–1300; Middle English; cognate with German Wasservogel; water, fowl

Example Sentences

The researchers suggest that these young eagles could be taking advantage of seasonal food bonanzas such as spawning salmon, nesting waterfowl, or carcasses of large mammals.

From Science Daily

The avian influenza virus known as H5N1 has threatened U.S. poultry farms since 2022, after migratory waterfowl carried a new strain of the virus into North and South America.

From Barron's

Starting Jan. 1, anyone with a valid hunting license will be able to kill the invasive waterfowl at any time, according to an agency news release.

From Los Angeles Times

Compared to most conservative-skewing programming, “Duck Dynasty: The Revival” is gentle, even taking into account the hints at waterfowl murder.

From Salon

Duck isn’t on the menu, but a certain waterfowl is the star of this dinner at the Grand Californian’s Storytellers Cafe.

From Los Angeles Times