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.
Concord, South Dakota, has a paint store, a cemetery and four waterfowl protection areas. Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025 Numerous dead birds that tested positive for avian flu, mostly ducks and waterfowl, have been found on Chicago’s North Shore lakefront. Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025 Sage was a hunting dog who retrieved ducks and waterfowl and had an American Kennel Club junior title. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025 Wild birds, particularly waterfowl, carry the deadly disease, spreading it primarily during their spring and fall migrations. Donnelle Eller, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 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 3 May. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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