Meaning & Definition of word "Canard"

Canard

/kəˈnɑːrd/

noun:

  • 1. A false or baseless report or story; a rumor.
    • Example: The article published in the tabloid was nothing but a canard, spreading misinformation about the celebrity.
  • 2. A duck, especially a male duck.
    • Example: We saw a beautiful canard swimming gracefully in the lake.
  • 3. An aircraft design feature that consists of a small wing or surface located ahead of the main wing.
    • Example: The flight characteristics of the new fighter jet were enhanced by its canard configuration.

Etymology

French, literally meaning 'duck'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

canard de chasse:

A type of decoy or false representation in hunting.

to swim like a canard:

To move through a situation misleadingly.

Related Words

fabrication:

The act of inventing something false.

deception:

The act of deceiving someone.

rumor:

A currently circulating story or report of uncertain or doubtful truth.

Slang Meanings of canard

Meaning: A false claim or statement, often used in gossip.

Example Sentence: That canard about him cheating is just silly gossip.

Meaning: An exaggerated or humorous claim, often humorous in context.

Example Sentence: He told a canard about how he once wrestled with a bear.