mallard

noun

mal·​lard ˈma-lərd 

plural mallard or mallards

: a common and widely distributed wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos) of the northern hemisphere the males of which have a green head and white-ringed neck and which is the source of the domestic ducks

Illustration of mallard

Examples of mallard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Within days the mallard was attracting thousands of people to the bridge in hope of seeing the duck’s eggs hatch. —Journal Sentinel, 23 May 2024

There’s a reason that mallards are the most abundant duck in North America. —Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 20 Dec. 2023

In this case, the collision was from a drake mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) lying dead on its belly in the sand. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 5 June 2023

The film follows a family of mallards whose trip south for the winter takes some unexpected detours. —Brent Lang, Variety, 29 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French mallart

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

mallard

noun

mal·​lard ˈmal-ərd 

plural mallard or mallards

: a common and widely distributed wild duck of the northern hemisphere the males of which have a green head and white ring around the neck and that is the source of the domestic ducks