ENGLISH
REFERENCE

mallard

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈmæɫɝd// UK //mˈælɑːd// mal·lard

n. a common type of wild duck with a green head and a brown body. You often see them swimming in parks or ponds.

n. a common wild duck of the genus Anas, typically characterized by a green head, chestnut breast, and grey body in the male. The female is usually brown with a lighter face.


SIMPLE

A mallard swam across the pond and landed near the shore.

CONTEXTUAL

The local park is a popular spot for birdwatchers who come to see the mallards and other waterfowl.

COMPLEX

While the mallard is often considered a common urban bird, its ability to adapt to various wetland environments has made it one of the most widespread duck species in the world.

Origin

From Middle English malard, mawlard, from Old French malard, malart, mallart (“male wild duck”), from Old French male, masle (“male”) + -ard, -art. Cognate with Medieval Latin maslardus, mallardus.

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