Definition of Duck (meaning 1 of 2 — noun)
Quick Meaning of Duck
A swimming bird that lives near water and has waterproof feathers.
Detailed Definition of Duck
A water bird with webbed feet, feathers, and a flat bill.
How to Pronounce Duck
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: The vowel sound is the same as in 'fun' and 'cup'.
Other Meanings of Duck
“Duck” has 2 distinct meanings in English. You’re viewing meaning #1; here are the other 1:
#2 Duck as a verb
To move your head or body down quickly to avoid something.
duck down
How to Use Duck in a Sentence
Each example shows “duck” in the meaning “A swimming bird that lives near water and…”, with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The ducks swim in the pond near our house.”
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“A mother duck teaches her ducklings to find food.”
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“Ducks migrate to warmer regions during winter.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Duck
Common Synonyms for Duck
Smart Synonyms for Duck — When to Use Each
- waterfowl
- broader term for birds that live near water
- mallard
- when referring to the most common duck species
Common Collocations with Duck
These phrases pair with “duck” in everyday English:
- feed the ducks
- duck pond
- like a duck to water
Common Mistakes When Using Duck
Even fluent speakers slip up with “duck”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: I saw many duck in the park.
- ✓ Correct: I saw many ducks in the park.
- Why: After 'many', a countable noun must be plural; use 'ducks', not singular 'duck'.
- ✗ Wrong: The duck are swimming.
- ✓ Correct: The ducks are swimming.
- Why: Plural subjects need plural verbs; 'ducks are', not 'duck are'.
Other Forms of Duck
- Noun: duck
Frequently Asked Questions About Duck
What is the meaning of "Duck"?
A swimming bird that lives near water and has waterproof feathers.
How do you pronounce "Duck"?
The IPA is /dʌk/. The vowel sound is the same as in 'fun' and 'cup'.
What part of speech is "Duck"?
"Duck" is a noun at A1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Duck"?
Common synonyms include waterfowl, mallard, bird.
How do you use "Duck" in a sentence?
For example: "The ducks swim in the pond near our house."