Duck: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to the specific type of bird that is usually found in or near water. Also used as a verb meaning to lower the head or body quickly to avoid something.

• Look at the duck swimming in the pond.
• She had to duck to avoid the ball.

A general term for any type of bird, not specific to ducks. Useful when discussing birds in general.

• Birds can be seen flying in the sky every morning.
• He enjoys watching the birds from his window.

Useful when talking about birds that live in or around water, including but not limited to ducks.

• Swans are another type of waterbird.
• Wetlands are home to many types of waterbirds.

Refers to the sound a duck makes. It can also refer to a fraudulent or unqualified doctor, which has a negative connotation.

• Did you hear the duck quack?
• Don't go to him, he's just a quack pretending to be a doctor.

Mostly refers to lowering your head or body quickly to avoid something. Also used metaphorically to mean avoiding responsibility or a difficult situation.

• He had to duck to avoid hitting his head on the low ceiling.
• She tried to duck out of the meeting early.

Implies quick or sudden movement to escape from something. Often used in physical contexts or to imply a sneaky action.

• He managed to dodge the ball just in time.
• She dodged the question about her plans.

Implies deliberately avoiding or escaping something, often with a sense of cunning. It can carry a negative connotation, especially when used to imply dishonesty.

• They evaded capture for weeks.
• He tried to evade paying taxes.

Use when you want to stay away or keep something from happening, often for general or everyday situations.

• She tried to avoid him at the party.
• They avoided the city during the snowstorm.