quack
quack Lexical Profile
quack Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The characteristic harsh, flat vocal sound made by a duck.
"A loud quack from the reeds alerted us to the presence of a mallard family near the pond."
An unqualified or fraudulent person who dishonestly claims to have medical knowledge or professional skill.
"The town realized the traveling healer was a complete quack when his expensive tonics proved to be nothing more than sugar water."
• verb
To make the characteristic harsh, flat sound of a duck.
"The ducks began to quack excitedly as the children tossed handfuls of oats near the water's edge."
To talk loudly, foolishly, or boastfully in a harsh or repetitive manner.
"He continued to quack endlessly about his dubious investment schemes throughout the entire dinner party."
• interjection
Used to represent or imitate the characteristic vocal sound made by a duck.
""Quack, quack!" read the father as he pointed to the picture of the yellow ducklings in the storybook."
• adjective
Relating to, characteristic of, or promoted by a fraudulent or unqualified medical practitioner.
"The health agency issued a public warning against buying quack remedies advertised online."
• Rhymes for quack
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The sense relating to a duck's cry dates to the 17th century and is imitative in origin. The sense meaning 'charlatan' is a shortening of the earlier word 'quacksalver' (from early modern Dutch 'kwakzalver'), referring to an itinerant vendor who loudly boasted ('quacked') about the healing powers of his salves and ointments.