waterfowl

noun

wa·​ter·​fowl ˈwȯ-tər-ˌfau̇(-ə)l How to pronounce waterfowl (audio)
ˈwä-
plural waterfowl also waterfowls
: a bird that frequents water
especially : a swimming game bird (such as a duck or goose) as distinguished from an upland game bird or shorebird

Examples of waterfowl in a Sentence

The lake is a refuge for migrating waterfowl.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Those birds, following Lake Michigan’s shoreline, include raptors, waterfowl, gulls, terns and shorebirds. Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025 Avian flu has killed millions of birds Present in the environment for decades, avian flu routinely kills wildlife, including waterfowl, and is responsible for helping drive up the cost of eggs because once the virus enters a flock, they must all be put to death. Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025 In addition to two populations of sandhills, expect to see various other waterfowl, including ducks and geese. Jamie Siebrase, The Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2025 Laser light systems to prevent waterfowl from landing. Kate Wells, NPR, 2 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for waterfowl

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of waterfowl was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Waterfowl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waterfowl. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

waterfowl

noun
wa·​ter·​fowl ˈwȯt-ər-ˌfau̇l How to pronounce waterfowl (audio)
ˈwät-
plural waterfowl also waterfowls
: a bird that is found in or near water
especially : a swimming bird (as a duck or goose) often hunted as game

More from Merriam-Webster on waterfowl

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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