duck1 Audio Help/dʌk/Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[duhk]Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation–noun, plural ducks, (esp. collectively for 1, 2) duck. 1.any of numerous wild or domesticated web-footed swimming birds of the family Anatidae, esp. of the genus Anas and allied genera, characterized by abroad, flat bill, short legs, and depressed body. 2.the female of this bird, as distinguished from the male. Compare drake1. 3.the flesh of this bird, eaten as food. 4.Informal. person; individual: He's the queer old duck with the knee-length gaiters and walrus mustache. 5.a playing marble, esp. one that is not used as a shooter. 6.ducks, (used with a singular verb) British Slang. ducky2. 7.Cricket Slang. a.failure of a batsman to score: to be out for a duck. b.a player's score of zero: to be bowled for a duck. Compare goose egg. —Idiom

8. water off a duck's back, something that has little or no effect: Our criticisms of his talk rolled off him like water off a duck's back.
9. to dodge out of fear. see Joe Calzaghe's explanation for not fighting Pavlik in recent news.


[Origin: bef. 1000; ME duk, doke, OE dūce diver, duck; akin to duck2]