Search Dictionary
Definition of duckweed

duckweed

/ˈdʌk.wiːd/
duck · weed
Plural:duckweeds
JUMP TO:

duckweed Lexical Profile

duckweed Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of various tiny, free-floating aquatic plants of the subfamily Lemnoideae, lacking distinct stems and true leaves, which typically grow rapidly to form dense green mats on the surface of slow-moving or stagnant fresh water globally.

Example

"The ecologist noted that the nutrient-rich pond was completely choked by a thick carpet of duckweed, blocking sunlight from reaching the submerged vegetation below."

• Nearby Words

duckling
ducktail
duckwalk
duckweed
ducky
duct
ductile

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 16th century from 'duck' + 'weed', so named because it serves as a common food source for ducks and other aquatic birds.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Duckweed. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 6, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/duckweed
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.