scoter

[ skoh-ter ]

noun

, plural sco·ters, (especially collectively) sco·ter.

1. any of the large diving ducks of the genus Melanitta, inhabiting northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere.

scoter

/ ˈskəʊtə /

noun

1. any sea duck of the genus Melanitta, such as M. nigra ( common scoter ), of northern regions. The male plumage is black with white patches around the head and eyes

Word History and Origins

Origin of scoter¹

First recorded in 1665–75; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of scoter¹

C17: origin unknown

Example Sentences

In this way, the revival of the gray whales is also helping to rebuild populations of sea birds, including diving ducks and surf scoters.

From Seattle Times

The season for sea ducks, including scoters, eiders and long-tailed ducks, ends on Jan. 16.

From Washington Times

We are offering people modes of transportation like transit and scoters and bikes.

From Washington Times

Surf scoters were not the smartest, she said, but once they learned the drill, they performed it reliably.

From New York Times

The expansion of land resulted in some loss of permanently flooded sandbanks that affected the availability of food for some protected bird species, such as the common scoter, the sandwich tern, and the common tern.

From The Guardian