mallard
noun
mal·lard
| \ ˈma-lərd
\
\
plural mallard
or mallards
Definition of mallard
: a common and widely distributed wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos) of the northern hemisphere the males of which have a green head and white-ringed neck and which is the source of the domestic ducks
Illustration of mallard
Examples of mallard in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The pairing is especially unusual since loons and mallards aren’t on friendly terms. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "Empty Nester Loons Adopt a Mallard Chick in Northern Wisconsin," 27 July 2019 Unintended stream systems have developed, cutting furrows into the hillside and becoming feeders for impromptu ponds, including the largest one at 115th Street, where the pair of mallard ducks was coasting. — Sharon Otterman, New York Times, "Flooding in Riverside Park: Good for Ducks. Bad for Amtrak Trains Below?," 21 July 2019 The stamp, featuring mallard ducks dropping into a marsh, was designed by wildlife artist Robert Hautman of Delano, Minn. Hautman's winning entry was selected in September during a judging hosted at UW-Stevens Point. — Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Walleyes For Tomorrow establishes fisheries research fellowship at UW-Stevens Point," 30 June 2018 Usually, the lake had a mix of pines and maples around it, mallards and mergansers on it, the sky’s changing moods reflected in it. — Alec Scott, Sunset Magazine, "Lake Effect: On Reviving a Family Tradition with Your Closest Friends," 22 Jan. 2018 Monty reportedly has chased off larger birds, including a mallard. — Morgan Greene, chicagotribune.com, "Beachside fest Mamby’s move to Montrose creating waves between birders, boaters, neighbors and music fans," 14 June 2019 The wet fly has a wing of mallard flank and a body made of red silk or floss. — Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: 13 famous Wisconsin fly patterns take center stage," 21 Apr. 2018 But really, does anybody know how those mallards gliding past actually go about it? — Jane Ford-stewart, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Seven things you never knew about the sex lives of mallard ducks," 10 Apr. 2018 The 2018 total mallard population estimate of 216,652 is up 20% from last year and 19% above the long-term mean. — Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: As habitat dwindles, duck numbers deserve a close watch," 4 July 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mallard.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for mallard
mallard
noun
English Language Learners Definition of mallard
: a very common kind of duck
See the full definition for mallard in the English Language Learners Dictionary
mallard
noun
mal·lard
| \ ˈma-lərd
\
\
Kids Definition of mallard
: a common wild duck of the northern hemisphere that is the ancestor of the domestic ducks
Keep scrolling for more