Word
ducks
US/ˈdəks/
UK/dˈʌks/
Definitions
01water birds
A1 · Beginner Countable noun
n. more than one duck (a common bird that lives near water).
n. the plural form of the common aquatic bird of the family Anatidae.
“The children enjoyed feeding bread to the ducks at the local pond.”
“Several species of wild ducks migrate to these wetlands during the winter months to escape the freezing northern temperatures.”
Synonyms
02term of endearment
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun British English · Dialect
n. a friendly way to address someone, similar to 'dear' or 'love'.
n. a traditional regional term of endearment used to address a person, regardless of gender.
“Don't worry about the mess, ducks, I'll help you clean it up.”
“In many parts of the East Midlands, you will frequently hear shopkeepers address their customers as 'ducks' as a sign of local friendliness.”
Teaching tip
This is very specific to Northern and Midland English dialects; learners should recognize it but may sound out of place using it themselves elsewhere.
03sailor trousers
C2 · Proficiency Plural noun nautical Archaic · Technical
n. lightweight trousers made of a strong cotton fabric, often worn by sailors.
n. trousers made of duck cloth, a heavy-duty cotton fabric, traditionally part of a naval uniform for warm climates.
“The old sailor was dressed in his white ducks and a simple blue shirt.”
“Historical naval records indicate that the crew were issued white ducks to ensure comfort while serving in the tropical heat of the Caribbean.”
Usage
Usually used in the plural form when referring to the garment.
Etymology
See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.
From the shape of the numeral 2, looking like the profile of a duck.
From duck (“darling”) + -s (hypocoristic suffix).
From duck (“tightly woven cotton fabric”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Idioms
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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