Dictionary
1duck
noun, often attributive \ˈdək\
plural ducks
Definition of DUCK
1
or plural duck a : any of various swimming birds (family Anatidae, the duck family) in which the neck and legs are short, the feet typically webbed, the bill often broad and flat, and the sexes usually different from each other in plumage b : the flesh of any of these birds used as food
2
: a female duck — compare drake
3
chiefly British : darling —often used in plural but singular in construction
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Origin of DUCK
Middle English duk, doke, from Old English dūce
First Known Use: before 12th century
2duck
verb
: to lower your head or body suddenly to avoid being seen or hit
: to lower (your head) suddenly
: to avoid (something, such as a punch) by lowering your head or body suddenly
Full Definition of DUCK
transitive verb
1
: to thrust under water
2
: to lower (as the head) quickly : bow
intransitive verb
1
a : to plunge under the surface of water b : to descend suddenly : dip
3
a : to move quickly b : to evade a duty, question, or responsibility
— duck·er noun
See duck defined for English-language learners
Origin of DUCK
Middle English douken; akin to Old High German tūhhan to dive, Old English dūce duck
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to DUCK
- Synonyms
- avoid, dodge, escape, elude, eschew, evade, finesse, get around, scape, shake, shirk, shuffle (out of), shun, weasel (out of)
3duck
noun
4duck
noun
Definition of DUCK
1
: a durable closely woven usually cotton fabric
2
plural : light clothes and especially trousers made of duck
Origin of DUCK
Dutch doek cloth; akin to Old High German tuoh cloth
First Known Use: 1640
DUCK[1] Defined for Kids
1duck
noun \ˈdək\
Definition of DUCK for Kids
: a swimming bird that has a broad flat bill and is smaller than the related goose and swan
2duck
verb
duckedduck·ing
Definition of DUCK for Kids
1
: to push under water for a moment <The swan ducked its head.>
2
: to lower the head or body suddenly <You have to duck through the doorway.>
3
: to avoid by moving quickly <He ducked the punch.>
4
: to avoid a duty, question, or responsibility <Let's duck out of work early.>
Medical Dictionary
duck
noun \ˈdək\
plural ducks or duck
Medical Definition of DUCK
: any of various swimming birds (family Anatidae, the duck family) in which the neck and legs are short, the feet typically webbed, the bill often broad and flat, and the sexes usually different from each other in plumage
Learn More About DUCK
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