goldeneye

[ gohl-duhn-ahy ]

noun

, plural gold·en·eyes, (especially collectively) gold·en·eye.

1. either of two diving ducks, Bucephala clangula, of Eurasia and North America, or B. islandica Barrow's goldeneye, of North America, having bright yellow eyes.
2. Also called golden-eyed fly [gohl, -d, uh, n-ahyd]. a lacewing of the family Chrysopidae.

goldeneye

/ ˈɡəʊldənˌaɪ /

noun

1. either of two black-and-white diving ducks, Bucephala clangula or B. islandica, of northern regions
2. any lacewing of the family Chrysopidae that has a greenish body and eyes of a metallic lustre

Word History and Origins

Origin of goldeneye¹

First recorded in 1670–80; golden + eye

Example Sentences

Potential bird sightings include gadwalls and buffleheads, dazzling ducks like the common goldeneye and the red-breasted merganser and tons of gulls, including the laughing gull and the ring-billed gull.

From New York Times

While the drone and boat operators were zealous in hazing the goose and four other birds - common goldeneye ducks - on Nov. 9, they did so as part of demonstration of the new technology.

From Washington Times

“There’s a goldeneye,” he said, pointing to a winsome little duck paddling among a thicket of brawny geese.

From Los Angeles Times

Also spotted, but in fewer numbers, were snow geese, buffleheads, redheads, goldeneyes, American widgeon, ruddy, ring-necked, canvasbacks, scaup and wood ducks.

From Washington Times

At least 80 birds, including surf scoters, buffleheads and common goldeneyes, have died.

From Salon