Dabchicks

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of small, diving water bird found in freshwater wetlands that is characterized by a distinctive posture and rapid swimming habits
2. A member of a family of birds known for their agile movements on water and for their ability to dive for food, often seen in pairs
3. Small aquatic birds that frequent marshy areas, recognized for their dabbler feeding style and their remarkable underwater agility

Etymology: "Dabchicks" is the plural of "dabchick," a small diving waterbird, and the word is a compound of two plain English elements. "Dab" here means to dip, dive or dabble, the same sense that gives "dabble" its meaning of splashing about in shallow water. "Chick" is the old general word for a young bird, and in the compound it refers to the bird's small size and youthful look rather than to its age. Put together, the name describes a little bird that dips and dives on the water's surface.