mallard

Alternative forms

• maudelard, mawdelard

Etymology

From Middle English malarde, mawdelare, from Old French malart, mallart (“wild duck”), possibly derived from the Old High German Madelhart (proper name) (whence the English forms maudelard, mawdelard); or alternatively from male, malle (“male”) +‎ -ard.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈmæl.ɑː(ɹ)d/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈmælɚd/

• audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

mallard (plural mallards)

1. A common and widespread dabbling duck, Anas platyrhynchos, whose male has a distinctive dark green head.