WordGarden.ioduck
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /dˈʌk/
US
- /ˈdək/
Meanings
Noun
a water bird with a broad bill and webbed feet
duck meat used as food
a score of zero in cricket
More meaningsFewer meanings
a strong plain-woven cotton or linen fabric
Verb
to lower the head or body quickly
to avoid a duty, question, or difficult situation
Beyond the definition
We all know the image: a bird paddling on a pond. But "duck" is not just the name of an animal. As a verb, it means to lower your head or body very quickly so you do not get hit. For example, you might duck when a ball flies toward you. You might also hear that someone "ducked the question," which means they avoided answering it.
The word has an old history. It comes from the Old English dūcan, meaning "to dive" or "bend down." The bird likely got its name from this action, because it dips or dives into the water. So the animal sense and the action sense are closely linked by the idea of moving downward quickly.
The word "duck" most commonly brings to mind a waterbird—a feathered friend known for its webbed feet and fondness for ponds, lakes, and rivers. These birds are part of the Anatidae family, encompassing diverse species like mallards, teals, and canvasbacks. They are often seen "dabbling" on the surface for food or taking flight with powerful, rhythmic wingbeats.
However, "duck" also works as a verb. It means to lower your head or body quickly, usually to avoid being hit or seen. You might duck under a low branch while walking, or duck when something is thrown at you. This sense matches the idea of quick downward movement.
Figuratively, "to duck" can also mean to avoid something unpleasant, such as a duty, a problem, or a question. If someone asks you a difficult question and you change the subject, you have "ducked the question." So this word can refer to a familiar bird, a quick physical movement, or an act of avoidance. It is a simple word, but it covers several common ideas in everyday English.
Examples
- 1
Pond bird
A duck landed on the edge of the pond.
- 2
Winter gathering
In winter, hundreds of ducks gather on the lake.
- 3
Food
The restaurant is famous for its roast duck.
- 4
Physical reaction
He ducked when the ball flew toward his head.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Low doorway
We had to duck under the low doorway.
- Patternduck under + obstacle
bend down to go below it
- 6
Quick shelter
She ducked into a shop to get out of the rain.
- Patternduck into + place
go somewhere quickly
- 7
Avoiding questions
He tried to duck the question, but the reporter asked it again.
- Patternduck + question/responsibility
avoid dealing with it
- 8
Brief exit
I need to duck out for a few minutes to take this call.
- Phraseduck out
leave quickly, often for a short time
- 9
Criticism idiom
Criticism like that rolls off her like water off a duck's back.
- Phraselike water off a duck's back
without any effect
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- ducknounverb
Forms
- duckspluralnounverb
- ducking-ing formverbnoun
- duckedpast tenseverbnoun