Meaning & Definition of word "Waterfowl"

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.