Meaning & Definition of word "Waterfowl"
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Waterfowl
/ˈwɔːtərfaʊl/
noun:
- 1. Waterfowl refers to birds that are commonly found in or around water, particularly those that are adapted for swimming, such as ducks and geese.
- Example: The lake was filled with various species of waterfowl, including ducks, swans, and geese.
- 2. Waterfowl are often hunted for sport or food.
- Example: In the fall, many hunters enjoy tracking waterfowl during migratory seasons.
- 3. Conservation programs often focus on protecting habitats for waterfowl.
- Example: The wetlands restoration project aims to improve the breeding grounds for local waterfowl.
- 4. Migratory waterfowl travel great distances between breeding and wintering grounds.
- Example: Every spring, thousands of migratory waterfowl return to the northern lakes to breed.
- 5. Waterfowl can serve as indicators of the health of aquatic ecosystems.
- Example: Scientists study waterfowl populations to assess the impact of pollution on local environments.
Etymology
The term 'waterfowl' combines 'water' + 'fowl', with 'fowl' derived from Old English 'fugol' meaning bird.
Common Phrases and Expressions
wild waterfowl:
Refers to waterfowl that live in the wild, not domesticated.
waterfowl hunting:
The activity of hunting waterfowl for sport or food.
waterfowl migration:
The seasonal movement of waterfowl from breeding to wintering grounds.
Related Words
duck:
A common type of waterfowl, often found in ponds and rivers.
goose:
A larger waterfowl that often migrates in flocks.
swamp:
A wetland area where many waterfowl may be found.
Slang Meanings of waterfowl
Meaning: A term sometimes used jokingly to refer to a clumsy person.
Example Sentence: Don't trip on that step, or you'll look like a waterfowl!
Meaning: Referring to a person who frequently goes fishing or hunting for waterfowl.
Example Sentence: He's such a waterfowl chaser; he's out every weekend.