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 university spent the next decade restoring the property into a wetland to reduce flooding in nearby neighborhoods and create habitat for waterfowl like mallards, coots, and Canada geese. —Stephanie Hanes, Christian Science Monitor, 5 May 2025

This is especially true when hunting mallards, which like to circle high before committing to a landing spot. —Joe Arterburn, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024

Potential Problems Due to Bird Nesting Sparrows, wrens, blue jays, mallards, starlings, doves, and pigeons are just a few types of birds that commonly nest near humans. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2025

Now, according to the articles, the duck paddled around with the common mallards, circling idly for crumbs of bread. —Anelise Chen, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2025

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