goosander

[ goo-san-der ]

noun

, British.

1. a common merganser, Mergus merganser, of Eurasia and North America.
2. any merganser.

goosander

/ ɡuːˈsændə /

noun

1. a common merganser (a duck), Mergus merganser, of Europe and North America, having a dark head and white body in the male

Word History and Origins

Origin of goosander¹

1615–25; alteration of gossander; perhaps blend of goose and obsolete bergander shelduck (< ?)

Word History and Origins

Origin of goosander¹

C17: probably from goose ¹+ Old Norse önd (genitive andar ) duck

Example Sentences

"This image shows a mother goosander crossing a smaller road because she decided not to use the scary and dark underground passage below it."

From BBC

I wouldn't have seen dipper, I wouldn't have seen grey wagtail, and I most certainly wouldn't have seen goosander.

From BBC

The birds - the tufted duck, goosander and goldeneye - are common in Britain and Ireland during northern Europe's winter.

From BBC

I have frequently seen goosanders on the river, but not more than two or three in a party.

From Project Gutenberg

Sheldrakes and goosanders, coots and gulls, whifflers and dippers, made the best of Sunday, and bathed and wrote their winged penmanship on the white sheet of water.

From Project Gutenberg