Collins English-English Dictionary

duck [d^k]

1. 1. n [Brit] [Spoken] ducks dear or darling: used as a term of endearment or of general address - See also ducky

2. 2. n any of various small aquatic birds of the family Anatidae, typically having short legs, webbed feet, and a broad blunt bill: order Anseriformes

3. 3. n the flesh of this bird, used as food

4. 4. n the female of such a bird, as opposed to the male (drake)

5. 5. n any other bird of the family Anatidae, including geese, and swans

6. 6. n [Spoken] a person, esp one regarded as odd or endearing

7. 7. n [cricket] a score of nothing by a batsman

8. 8. n [Etymology] Old English duce duck, diver; related to duck²

duck [d^k]

1. 1. vb to move (the head or body) quickly downwards or away, esp so as to escape observation or evade a blow

2. 2. vb to submerge or plunge suddenly and often briefly under water

3. 3. vb [when intr, often foll by out] [Spoken] to dodge or escape (a person, duty, etc)

4. 4. vi. [intr] [bridge] to play a low card when possessing a higher one rather than try to win a trick

5. 5. n the act or an instance of ducking

6. 6. n [Etymology] C14: related to Old High German tuhhan to dive, Middle Dutch duken

duck [d^k]

1. 1. n a heavy cotton fabric of plain weave, used for clothing, tents, etc - See also ducks

2. 2. n [Etymology] C17: from Middle Dutch doek; related to Old High German tuoh cloth

duck [d^k]

1. 1. n an amphibious vehicle used in World War II

2. 2. n [Etymology] C20: from code name DUKW