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Definition of gadwall

gadwall

/ˈɡæd.wɔːl/
gad · wall
Plural:gadwalls
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gadwall Lexical Profile

gadwall Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A common and widely distributed dabbling duck (Mareca strepera) native to the Northern Hemisphere, characterized by the male's finely patterned gray plumage, black rear end, and comparatively subdued coloration compared to other dabbling ducks.

Example

"While birdwatching near the marsh, she carefully adjusted her binoculars to distinguish a pair of gadwalls foraging among the reeds."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gadwall

• Nearby Words

gadget
gadgetry
gadgety
gadwall
gaff
gaffe
gaffer

Word Origin & Etymology

Mid 16th century: of unknown origin, though it may derive from an obsolete dialect word or an imitative sound related to the duck's call.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gadwall. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gadwall
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