Duck
volume
British pronunciation/dˈʌk/
American pronunciation/ˈdək/

Definition & Meaning of "duck"

Duck
01

a bird with short legs and a wide beak that naturally lives near or on water or is kept by humans for its eggs, meat, or feathers

duck definition and meaning

What is a "duck"?

A duck is a type of waterfowl characterized by its compact body, webbed feet, and broad, flat bill. Ducks are found in various habitats such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and marshes, and they are well-adapted to both aquatic and terrestrial environments. They have waterproof feathers that keep them buoyant and warm in the water, allowing them to swim effortlessly. Ducks are known for their distinctive quacking sound and often travel in groups called flocks. They have a diverse diet, feeding on a combination of plants, seeds, insects, and small aquatic animals. Male ducks, called drakes, often display vibrant plumage during the breeding season, while female ducks, known as hens, have more subdued coloring for camouflage. Ducks are not only charming to observe but also play important roles in the ecosystem, contributing to seed dispersal and nutrient cycling in wetland ecosystems.

1.1

meat of a duck, eaten as food

duck definition and meaning
example
Example
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They marinated the duck in an Asian-inspired sauce and grilled it to perfection.
She roasted a whole duck for the family dinner, seasoned with herbs and spices for added flavor.
02

a heavy cotton fabric of plain weave; used for clothing and tents

03

(cricket) a score of zero runs by a batsman in their innings

What is a "duck"?

A duck in cricket refers to when a batter is dismissed without scoring any runs. It is a disappointing outcome for the player, as they are out on the very first ball they face or after a very short stay at the crease. Being out for a duck is often seen as an unfortunate event, and players who are dismissed in this way are said to have "gone out for a duck." It is a term used in cricket to highlight a batter’s failure to score during their innings.

example
Example
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He was disappointed to record a duck in the match.
The opener was bowled out for a duck in the first over.
to duck
01

to lower the head or body quickly as a gesture of avoidance or to avoid being hit

Intransitive
to duck definition and meaning
example
Example
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As the ball flew toward him, he instinctively ducked to avoid being hit.
During the fireworks, the dog would often duck and hide under the bed.
02

to push or submerge someone or something under water

Transitive: to duck sb
example
Example
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During the playful water fight, the children would duck each other in the swimming pool.
In the excitement of the game, he attempted to duck his friend beneath the ocean waves.
03

to skillfully avoid an unwelcome duty, responsibility, or undertaking

Transitive: to duck a subject or responsibility
example
Example
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When asked to take on the challenging project, he tried to duck the responsibility.
Despite numerous requests, she managed to duck the tedious task of organizing the office files.
04

to quickly and momentarily dip or submerge into a liquid and then swiftly emerge

Intransitive: to duck somewhere
example
Example
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On a scorching summer day, the kids enjoyed ducking into the cool pool to escape the heat.
To clean off the mud, the dog would often duck into the shallow stream during their walks.
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