rock dove

noun

1. a European pigeon, Columba livia, from which most domestic pigeons have been developed.

rock dove

noun

1. a common dove, Columba livia , from which domestic and feral pigeons are descended. It has a pale grey plumage with black-striped wings

Word History and Origins

Origin of rock dove¹

First recorded in 1645–55

Example Sentences

All the fancy breeds now raised come from the common pigeon, which is descended from the wild rock pigeon or rock dove.

From Project Gutenberg

The Blue Rock dove is the undoubted origin of all the different varieties of domestic pigeons.

From Project Gutenberg

But before me I saw a white rock-dove, and followed it gladly.

From Project Gutenberg

The people here call it the rock-dove, and from its snow-white plumage it forms a conspicuous object along the shores.

From Project Gutenberg

The rock-dove haunts deep caverns worn out of the cliffs, both inland and on the coast.

From Project Gutenberg