Definition

A type of board or walkway that is placed over wet or muddy ground to make it easier to walk on without getting stuck or dirty.

Example

The soldiers walked across the duckboard to avoid the muddy field.

Conversation

Have you seen the new duckboard they installed at the park?

Yeah, it looks really nice and should keep our shoes clean.

I hope it helps with the muddy areas during the rainy season.

Definitely! I can’t wait to take a walk on it this weekend.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Duckboard → The word is formed from "duck" (from Middle English *dukke*, meaning a waterbird) and "board" (from Old English *bord*, meaning a flat surface or plank). A duckboard originally refers to a board used to walk on, often in wet or muddy areas, reminiscent of the habitat of ducks.

Memory Tip

Imagine a flat surface ('board') that helps you walk over wet ground, just like ducks do in their natural habitat.

Visually Confused Words