waterfowl

noun

wa·​ter·​fowl ˈwȯ-tər-ˌfau̇(-ə)l 

ˈwä-

plural waterfowl also waterfowls

: a bird that frequents water

especially : a swimming game bird (such as a duck or goose) as distinguished from an upland game bird or shorebird

Examples of waterfowl in a Sentence

The lake is a refuge for migrating waterfowl.

Recent Examples on the Web

The refuge’s dunes and salt marshes are a birder’s paradise with species like bald eagles, terns, songbirds, and various waterfowl migrating in and out throughout the year. —Madeline Weinfield, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2024

Over that period, grassland bird species have declined by 40 percent while waterfowl populations on the whole have gone up. —Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 9 Oct. 2024

The potential for a 3-bird limit is big news for waterfowl hunters, particularly in the Central and Pacific Flyways. —Sage Marshall, Field & Stream, 23 May 2024

The annual Bird Photographer of the Year competition highlights some of the best avian images, from graceful waterfowl to high-flying birds of prey—and many species in between. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

waterfowl

noun

wa·​ter·​fowl ˈwȯt-ər-ˌfau̇l 

ˈwät-

plural waterfowl also waterfowls

: a bird that is found in or near water

especially : a swimming bird (as a duck or goose) often hunted as game