dove

¹

[duhv]

noun

1. any bird of the family Columbidae, especially the smaller species with pointed tails.

2. a pure white member of this species, used as a symbol of innocence, gentleness, tenderness, and peace.

3. Dove, a symbol for the Holy Ghost.

4. an innocent, gentle, or tender person.

5. Also called peace dove. a person, especially one in public office, who advocates peace, compromise, or a conciliatory national attitude.

6. dove color.

7. Economics.,  an official or advisor who advocates low interest rates or other monetary policies aimed at reducing unemployment and promoting economic growth.

8. Astronomy.,  Dove, the constellation Columba.

dove

²

[dohv]

verb

1. a simple past tense of dive.

Dove

³

[duhv]

noun

1. Arthur, 1880–1946, U.S. painter.

2. Rita, born 1952, U.S. poet and educator: U.S. poet laureate 1993.

dove

¹

/ dʌv /

noun

1. any of various birds of the family Columbidae, having a heavy body, small head, short legs, and long pointed wings: order Columbiformes. They are typically smaller than pigeons

2. politics a person opposed to war Compare hawk 1

3. a gentle or innocent person: used as a term of endearment

4. 1. a greyish-brown colour

   2. ( as adjective )

      dove walls

Dove

²

/ dʌv /

noun

1. Christianity a manifestation of the Holy Spirit (John 1:32)

dove

³

/ dəʊv /

verb

1. a past tense of dive

Other Word Forms

• dovish adjective
• dovelike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dove¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English; Old English dūfe- (in dūfedoppa “dip-diver”); cognate with Dutch duif, German Taube, Old Norse dūfa, Gothic dūbo, originally, “a diver”

Word History and Origins

Origin of dove¹

Old English dūfe (unattested except as a feminine proper name); related to Old Saxon dūbva, Old High German tūba

Example Sentences

Gail got up at some point and released a dove, which weaved around and eventually disappeared.

From Los Angeles Times

After a long display of cutting-edge weaponry, including nuclear missiles, the parade concluded with thousands of doves and balloons released into the skies over Beijing.

From BBC

Thousands of doves and balloons were later released into the skies above Tiananmen Square to mark the end of the parade.

From BBC

The parade finished on a crowd-pleasing fly past before thousands of doves and balloons were released into the skies over the capital.

From BBC

At a local government office, people switched off their lights and dove under tables.

From BBC

Related Words

• drab 
• dusty 
• grey 
• silvery