eider

noun

ei·​der ˈī-dər 

1

: any of several large northern sea ducks (genera Somateria and Polystica) having fine soft down that is used by the female for lining the nest

called also eider duck

2

: eiderdown sense 1

Did you know?

There are several species of large diving ducks called eiders. They are heavy and round-bodied, with a humped bill that produces a characteristic sloping profile. Eiders live in the cold far north. They are the source of eiderdown, feathers that the hen plucks from her breast to line her nest and insulate her eggs. Eiderdown is used as a warm filling for jackets, pillows, quilts, and sleeping bags. Hens are mottled brown, but drakes (males) are boldly patterned, with green pigment on the head.

Examples of eider in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adam Grimm, an artist based in South Dakota, won the competition for his acrylic portrait of two spectacled eiders against a backdrop of snowy mountains, reports WSHU’s Davis Dunavin. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024

Contributors began using the portal in 2015 to log water temperature and salinity data, note observations of important wildlife species—such as beluga and common eider ducks—and track the flow of contaminants through the food web. —Hannah Hoag, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Feb. 2024

Those hunting in marine environments may come across any number of sea-faring divers, such as common eiders or the scoters, which include surf, white-winged, and black scoters. —M.d. Johnson, Field & Stream, 30 Nov. 2023

Details here and here. BEACH WALK Beach season starts now: Grab your binoculars to check out sandpipers, eiders, buffleheads at Norman Bird Sanctuary’s stroll on Third Beach. —Lauren Daley, BostonGlobe.com, 25 May 2023

Word History

Etymology

Dutch, German, or Swedish, from Icelandic æthur, from Old Norse æthr

First Known Use

1743, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

eider

noun

ei·​der ˈīd-ər 

1

: a large duck that is found in northern coastal regions, is mostly white above and black below, and has very soft down

called also eider duck

2

: eiderdown sense 1