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Definition of scoter
scoter
/ˈskoʊtər/
sco · ter
Plural:scoters
scoter Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
11
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
scoter Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
Any of several species of large, stout sea ducks of the genus Melanitta, native to the northern regions of Europe, Asia, and North America, typically characterized by the predominantly black plumage of the males and their habit of diving for mollusks.
Example
"During our winter birdwatching trip along the rocky coast, we spotted a large flock of surf scoters diving into the crashing waves."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for scoter• Rhymes for scoter
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the mid 17th century, the exact origin of 'scoter' is uncertain. It may be related to the verb 'scoot', potentially referring to the duck's rapid, low flight or movement over the water's surface.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Scoter. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/scoter