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Definition of scaup
scaup
/skɔːp/
scaup
Plural:scaups
scaup Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
11
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
scaup Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
Any of several diving ducks of the genus Aythya, native to the Northern Hemisphere, typically characterized by a broad, bluish bill, a dark head and chest, and a preference for coastal or large inland waters.
Example
"We spotted a massive raft of greater scaup resting on the open bay during their winter migration."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for scaup• Rhymes for scaup
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From late 16th-century Scottish English 'scaup' or 'scalp', meaning a bank of shellfish or mussels, referring to the duck's frequent habit of diving to feed on bivalve mollusks.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Scaup. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 15, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/scaup