Definition

A type of wild duck that is commonly found in the northern hemisphere, known for the male's distinctive green head and white-ringed neck. Many domestic ducks are bred from this species.

Example

We saw a mallard swimming gracefully in the pond.

Conversation

Did you see that mallard by the pond yesterday?

Yeah, I did! The colors on its head are so vibrant.

I love watching them swim around; they look so peaceful.

Absolutely! The mallard is such a beautiful bird.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'mallard' originates from Old French 'malart', which means a male duck. The term is derived from 'male' (meaning male) and the suffix '-ard', which is often used in French to denote a person or thing associated with a particular quality. Thus, 'mallard' specifically refers to a male duck.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old French word for male ('male') combined with the suffix that indicates a specific type ('-ard'). This helps you remember that a mallard is a male duck.

Visually Confused Words