Search Dictionary
Definition of garganey
garganey
/ˈɡɑːr.ɡə.ni/
gar · ga · ney
Plural:garganeys
garganey Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
12
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
garganey Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A small migratory dabbling duck (Spatula querquedula) native to Europe and Asia, noted for the male's distinctive broad white crescent stripe extending over the eye.
Example
"Local birdwatchers were thrilled to spot a rare garganey resting in the wetland reserve during its migration to southern Africa."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for garganey• Rhymes for garganey
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the Italian 'garganei' (plural of 'garganello'), which likely originated from a Latin or imitative root reflecting the duck's characteristic croaking call. It was introduced to English vocabulary by 17th-century naturalists.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Garganey. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/garganey