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Duck Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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duck

[dÊŒk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

bird

A waterbird with a broad blunt bill, short legs, webbed feet, and a waddling gait.

Synonyms

bird, quack, waterbird.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
duck

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.
bird

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.
waterbird

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.
quack

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.

Examples of usage

  • They watched the ducks on the pond.
  • The ducklings followed their mother closely.
Context #2 | Verb

avoid

To quickly lower the head or the body in order to avoid being hit or seen.

Synonyms

avoid, dodge, evade.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
duck

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.
dodge

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.
evade

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.
avoid

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.

Examples of usage

  • He had to duck to avoid the low doorway.
  • She had to duck behind the bushes to hide.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Nature

  • Ducks have waterproof feathers thanks to a special oil they produce, which keeps their bodies dry while swimming.
  • They are omnivores, eating a variety of foods including plants, insects, and small fish.
  • Many duck species are migratory, traveling thousands of miles between breeding and wintering grounds.

Culture

  • In various cultures, ducks are symbols of loyalty and fidelity. They often mate for life.
  • The famous children's song 'Five Little Ducks' teaches counting and has become popular in many preschool settings.
  • Ducks are featured prominently in folklore, with characters like 'Donald Duck' becoming iconic in animation.

Science

  • Ducks have excellent vision, allowing them to see a broader color spectrum than humans do.
  • Their unique webbed feet are perfect for paddling through water, making them agile swimmers.
  • Some species of duck can dive underwater to find food, using their flaps like propellers to propel them down.

Art

  • Ducks have been subjects in paintings and literature, often symbolizing tranquility and peace.
  • In Impressionist art, ducks are frequently depicted in serene lake settings, showcasing their natural habitats.
  • The image of a duck is often used in children's books and animations to represent playfulness and joy.

Origin of 'duck'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'duce,' meaning 'to lead,' possibly referring to how ducks often move in groups.
  • In various languages, the pronunciation is similar: for example, 'canard' in French, which also means a duck.
  • The term 'duck' has been used since at least the 12th century, showing its long-standing presence in the English language.

The word 'duck' originates from the Old English word 'duce', which is believed to be derived from the Proto-Indo-European root 'dÊ°ewk-' meaning 'to dive'. The bird duck gets its name from its diving behavior in water. Over the centuries, the word has evolved to be used in various contexts, including as a verb meaning to avoid or evade.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,686 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.