ducks and drakes

noun

variants or duck and drake
: the pastime of skimming flat stones or shells along the surface of calm water
Phrases
play ducks and drakes with or make ducks and drakes of
: to use recklessly : squander
played ducks and drakes with his money

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ducks and drakes was in 1583

Dictionary Entries Near ducks and drakes

Cite this Entry

“Ducks and drakes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ducks%20and%20drakes. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!