# goldeneye

/ˈɡoʊɫdəˌnaɪ/ (US) · /ɡˈəʊldənˌaɪ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/goldeneye
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

a small duck that dives for food and has bright yellow eyes. You often see it on lakes and rivers in cold northern places.

For teachers: a small diving duck of northern lakes and rivers, distinguished by bright yellow eyes and a dark head. The male has a white cheek patch and striking black-and-white plumage.

## Examples

- The goldeneye dives underwater to catch small fish.
- We watched a goldeneye disappear beneath the lake and reappear seconds later with food.
- At dawn the goldeneye rode the grey water, its yellow eye flashing each time it turned toward the light.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.