shelduck

[ shel-duhk ]

noun

, plural shel·ducks, (especially collectively) shel·duck.

1. a sheldrake.
2. a female sheldrake.

shelduck

/ ˈʃɛlˌdreɪk; ˈʃɛlˌdʌk /

noun

1. any of various large usually brightly coloured gooselike ducks, such as Tadorna tadorna ( common shelduck ), of the Old World

Word History and Origins

Origin of shelduck¹

First recorded in 1700–10; shel(drake) + duck ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of shelduck¹

C14 shel, probably from dialect sheld pied; related to Middle Dutch schillede variegated

Example Sentences

The ruddy shelduck’s breeding range stretches from south-eastern Europe to western China, with some established populations in Africa.

From The Guardian

A paradise shelduck was patrolling the midwicket/cover region, obviously oblivious to the Test match going off out there, and unaware that within hours he would become a international superstar.

From The Guardian

A flock of ruddy shelduck, a flagship species of Lake Kuyucuk in eastern Turkey.

From New York Times

The efforts of the modest ruddy shelduck are of a higher order.

From The Guardian