wood duck

noun

: a showy American duck (Aix sponsa) which nests in tree cavities and the males of which have a large crest and iridescent plumage varied with green, purple, black, white, and chestnut

Illustration of wood duck

Illustration of wood duck

Examples of wood duck in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Spot local heron species, barn owls, wood ducks and more. — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026 One of the most truly amazing ducks, though, is the wood duck. — Jonathan Shikes, Denver Post, 26 Jan. 2026 The top had earthy colors, such as various shades of brown and green, and even included a scene of sticks, grass, and leaves — perhaps, even a wood duck or two! — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025 The State of Michigan has a new symbol, with the wood duck designated as the state's official duck. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wood duck

Word History

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wood duck was in 1777

Rhymes for wood duck

See All Rhymes for wood duck

Browse Nearby Words

wood drake
wood duck
wood ear
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wood duck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wood%20duck. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

wood duck

noun
: a showy American duck which nests in the hollowed-out spaces of trees and the male of which has a large crest on the head and feathers colored with green, black, purple, white, and brown

More from Merriam-Webster on wood duck

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wood duck

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