noun

duckweed

DUCK-weed

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Duckweed (noun) means Duckweed is any of several small floating plants that grow on the surface of still or slow-moving water. Example: “The pond's surface was covered in a thick layer of duckweed.”

noun

Duckweed is any of several small floating plants that grow on the surface of still or slow-moving water.

"The pond's surface was covered in a thick layer of duckweed."

"Ducks and other waterfowl often feed on duckweed."

"Duckweed can spread across a still pool within a few days."

How to use duckweed

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTiny floating plants that carpet the surface of ponds and slow water.

When to use it

An everyday plant name used in general speech as well as in botany.

Memory tip

Duckweed behaves like an uncountable noun most of the time, similar to grass or moss.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

covered in duckweed carpet of duckweed layer of duckweed duckweed-covered pond

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “duckweed” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The pond's surface was covered in a thick layer of _____.

Etymology

Duckweed is a compound of duck and weed, likely named because ducks and other waterfowl often eat it. A similar idea appears in the older Middle English word dokemete, which literally meant duck-food.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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duckmeat

Rhymes for duckweed

feed seed reed deed need heed weed peed bleed breed speed creed

See all rhymes for duckweed →

Frequently asked questions

Do ducks really eat duckweed?

Yes, duckweed is thought to have been named because it is so often eaten by ducks and other waterfowl.

Is duckweed a type of algae?

No, duckweed is a flowering plant, part of a subfamily within the arum family, even though it can look like a green scum on water.

Is duckweed countable or uncountable?

It can be either, so you might see it treated as a mass noun or given the plurals duckweeds or duckweed depending on how many kinds are meant.

What is the meaning of duckweed?

"duckweed" (noun) means duckweed is any of several small floating plants that grow on the surface of still or slow-moving water.