Duck — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
Meaning & Definition of Duck
Duck (noun)
- 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 —often used figuratively in phrases like have one's ducks in a row, get one's ducks in a row, or put one's ducks in a row to describe being or becoming thoroughly prepared or organized
- the flesh of any of these birds used as food
- a female duck
- an instance of ducking
- a durable closely woven usually cotton fabric
- light clothes and especially trousers made of duck
Duck (verb)
- to lower the head or body suddenly, dodge
- bow, bob
- to move quickly
Duck (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
-
to get or keep away from (as a responsibility) through cleverness or trickery
"don't try to duck your commitment to spending Thanksgiving with your family by claiming you have to work"
-
to move suddenly aside or to and fro
"duck behind a pillar before they see us"
-
to sink or push (something) briefly into or as if into a liquid
"ducked the new camper in the lake as a joke"
Duck (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
-
a member of the human race
"her coworkers regard her as something of an odd duck"
Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Duck
The most common words with a similar meaning to Duck:
Near Antonyms of Duck
Word Forms of Duck
Inflections: ducks, ducked, ducking
Derived words: ducker (noun)
Origin & Etymology of Duck
Middle English duk, doke, from Old English dūce
First known use: before 12th century
Words & Phrases Containing Duck
Frequently Asked Questions about Duck
What does "Duck" mean?
"Duck" means 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 —often used figuratively in phrases like have one's ducks in a row, get one's ducks in a row, or put one's ducks in a row to describe being or becoming thoroughly prepared or organized. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: 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 —often used figuratively in phrases like have one's ducks in a row, get one's ducks in a row, or put one's ducks in a row to describe being or becoming thoroughly prepared or organized. It has 4 distinct senses.
What is another word for "Duck"?
Other words for "Duck" include avoid, dodge, elude, escape, eschew, evade, finesse and get around. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Duck" you intend.
What are different ways to say "Duck"?
There are 116 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Duck". Common alternatives include avoid, dodge, elude, escape, eschew, evade, finesse, get around, scape and shake.
How do you use "Duck" in a sentence?
Examples of "Duck" in a sentence: "don't try to duck your commitment to spending Thanksgiving with your family by claiming you have to work"; "duck behind a pillar before they see us"; "ducked the new camper in the lake as a joke".
Is "Duck" a noun, verb, or adjective?
"Duck" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.
How do you pronounce "Duck"?
"Duck" is pronounced /ˈdək/.
What is the origin of the word "Duck"?
"Duck" comes from Middle English duk, doke, from Old English dūce. First known use: before 12th century.
What is another word for "Duck" meaning "to get or keep away from (as a responsibility) through cleverness or trickery"?
When "Duck" (verb) means to get or keep away from (as a responsibility) through cleverness or trickery, synonyms include avoid, dodge, elude, escape, eschew and evade.