Search Dictionary
Definition of canvasback

canvasback

/ˈkæn.vəsˌbæk/
can · vas · back
Plural:canvasbacks
JUMP TO:

canvasback Lexical Profile

canvasback Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American A large species of diving duck (Aythya valisineria) native to North America, characterized in the male by a distinctive sloping profile, a reddish-chestnut head, and a pale grayish-white back that resembles canvas.

Example

"The wildlife photographer waited in the cold marsh blind for hours just to capture a shot of a male canvasback diving for wild celery."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for canvasback

• Nearby Words

cantoria
canuck
canvas
canvasback
canvass
canvasser
canyon

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 18th century, named for the grayish-white, finely patterned feathers on the male duck's back, which closely resemble the color and weave of unbleached canvas fabric.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Canvasback. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/canvasback
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.