waterfowl

Meaning

Any of the birds, such as ducks, geese and swans, that spend most of their non-flying time on water; especially those of the family Anatidae.

Synonyms

water bird

waterbird

aquatic bird

seabird

seafowl

teal

gallinule

water birds

wildfowl

shorebird

aquatic birds

rail

duck

🦆

Translations

Wasservogel

aves acuáticas

oiseau aquatique

watervogel

υδρόβια πουλιά

uccelli acquatici

ave acuática

watervogels

su kuşu

aves aquáticas

ave aquática

υδρόβιο πτηνό

Wassergeflügel

طير مائي

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: waterfoul

In summary

From Middle English waterfoul, water-foul, equivalent to water + fowl. Compare Old English dopfugel (“waterfowl, moorhen”, literally “dipping-fowl”).