Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
sheldrake

sheldrake

1 9.8
A large duck with black and white feathers and a red bill
  • noun
  • UK
translation icon : pato sheldrake
  • On her visit to the wetland, she was excited to spot a rare sheldrake among the other birds.

Examples

  • - South Fallsburg, Loch Sheldrake.

    Two Lovers (2008)

  • Fetch Sheldrake.

    Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan (2019)

  • Sheldrake (1999) argued that non-local communication between the pet and the owner is the true source of that connection.

    Academic text (2005)

  • The sheldrake is known for its distinctive black-and-white plumage, making it a stunning sight at the lake.

  • During our trip to Europe, we observed a sheldrake swimming gracefully on the river.

Synonyms

shelduck
vssheldrake
  • UK
8.7

A large duck with bright feathers that lives in Europe, Asia, and Africa

has striking black and white plumage and a red or hooked bill

Compounds

hooded sheldrake
  • US
9.9

A small North American duck whose male has a large fan-shaped crest

Surface Forms

sheldrake singular
sheldrakes plural

Morphology

sheldrake = drake (opaque) = sheld + drake

Although 'drake' is recognizable, the initial element 'sheld' is an obsolete/rare combining element (not a productive English word) and the species name's meaning is not transparently derivable by learners.

Etymology

Sheldrake combines sheld and drake, with drake meaning 'male duck'. A helpful way to remember it is to think of sheld as like the word 'shield' for the bird's bold, shield-like black and white patches and bright red bill, so the name fits this large, showy duck.