1. a common sea duck of the northern hemisphere, the male of which has a distinctive long tail and colorful head markings
Usage: also called oldsquaw; ornithological
2. a type of fish found in Atlantic coastal waters, related to the porgy
Usage: ichthyological; regional

Examples

• The oldwife duck is easily recognized by its long, slender tail feathers.
• Birdwatchers spotted a flock of oldwives diving for food in the cold northern waters.
• The male oldwife displays striking black and white plumage during breeding season.
• Oldwife fish are commonly caught by recreational anglers along the Atlantic coast.
• In winter, oldwives migrate south from their Arctic breeding grounds.