noun A web-footed water bird, often kept domestically or hunted.
- A mother duck led her ducklings across the road and the traffic stopped.
- We could hear a duck quacking somewhere beside the river.
- They fed bread to the ducks at the park pond.
verb To lower the head or body quickly to avoid being hit.
- The cyclist had to duck under a branch hanging over the path.
- He had to duck to avoid the low doorway.
- She ducked behind the sofa when the ball came flying at her.
verb To avoid or evade a task, question, or responsibility.
- She tried to duck out of the washing-up by pretending to be on the phone.
- Politicians sometimes duck difficult interviews by claiming they are too busy.
- The minister ducked the question about the budget cuts.
noun (British, informal) A term of endearment for a friend or stranger.
- Come in and sit down, duck, and I will put the kettle on.
- Mind the step, duck, it is a bit slippery after the rain.
- Are you alright, duck?" the shopkeeper asked.
