noun
eider
EYE-dur
Eider (noun) means a large seaduck that lines its nest with soft down plucked from its own body. Example: “A pair of eiders bobbed close to the rocky shore.”
noun
1
A large seaduck that lines its nest with soft down plucked from its own body.
"A pair of eiders bobbed close to the rocky shore."
"The female eider had lined her nest with fine down."
"Eiders dive for shellfish along the coast in winter."
How to use eider
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA seaduck known for the soft down it plucks to line its nest.
When to use it
It is a plain, everyday term used mainly in birdwatching and nature writing.
Memory tip
Remember that eider refers to the duck itself, while eiderdown usually refers to the soft feathers it produces.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
a flock of eiders
eider down
nesting eiders
common eider
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A pair of _____ bobbed close to the rocky shore.
Etymology
The word traces back to Icelandic æðar, a form of æðr, and most likely reached English through Swedish eider, itself from an older North Germanic root.
Synonyms
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eiderduck
Rhymes for eider
See all rhymes for eider →Frequently asked questions
What kind of bird is an eider?
It is a large seaduck that lines its nest with soft down taken from its own body.
Why is eider down valuable?
The bird plucks fine down from its own body to line its nest, and this is the same soft down traditionally used to fill quilts and bedding.
Is eider the same as eiderduck?
Yes, eiderduck is simply another name for the same bird.
What is the meaning of eider?
"eider" (noun) means a large seaduck that lines its nest with soft down plucked from its own body.
