mallard

noun

mal·​lard ˈma-lərd 

plural mallard or mallards

: a common and widely distributed wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos) of the northern hemisphere the males of which have a green head and white-ringed neck and which is the source of the domestic ducks

Illustration of mallard

Examples of mallard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The team developed a set of robotic duck feet that replicated the natural swimming motion of a mallard on the water. —Alice Jones Webb, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024

The research team has also worked with dead mallard ducks to create two different types of robots − a swimming robot and a flying drone. —Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 12 Nov. 2024

For example some wigeon or divers mixed along the side of a mallard spread can help the rig be more visible and realistic. —Joe Arterburn, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024

But the new exhibition features a print of an etching of Darling’s design, which starred mallards. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French mallart

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

mallard

noun

mal·​lard ˈmal-ərd 

plural mallard or mallards

: a common and widely distributed wild duck of the northern hemisphere the males of which have a green head and white ring around the neck and that is the source of the domestic ducks