wildfowl
|wild-fowl|
/ˈwaɪld.faʊl/
wild birds, especially water birds
Etymology
'wildfowl' originates from English, a compound of the words 'wild' and 'fowl', used to denote birds living in a wild (untamed) state.
'fowl' comes from Old English 'fugol' meaning 'bird', and 'wild' from Old English 'wild' meaning 'untamed'; the compound 'wildfowl' appears in Early Modern English to refer to wild birds, especially water birds.
Initially it meant 'untamed birds' in general, but over time it became used more specifically for 'wild water birds' and for birds hunted as game.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
birds living in the wild, especially water birds such as ducks, geese, and swans.
The wetland is an important habitat for many species of wildfowl.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/03 13:46