turtledove

[ tur-tl-duhv ]

noun
  1. any of several small to medium-sized Old World doves of the genus Streptopelia, especially S. turtur, of Europe, having a long, graduated tail: noted for its soft, cooing call.

  1. a sweetheart or beloved mate.

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Origin of turtledove

1
1250–1300; Middle English turtildove, equivalent to turtilturtle2 + dovedove1

Words Nearby turtledove

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use turtledove in a sentence

  • Another species, also said to be increasing in the country--the turtledove, was extremely abundant.

  • Hence, as he sallies forth to seek the site, he keeps his ear alert for the turtledove's2 prophetic cry.

    The Manbos of Mindano | John M. Garvan
  • This instance will serve to show the uncompromising faith of the Manbo in omens, especially in that of the turtledove.

    The Manbos of Mindano | John M. Garvan
  • "I am going to finish this turtledove first, though," said Tabea gayly.

    Duffels | Edward Eggleston
  • The cause or causes of the increase of the turtledove are not far to seek.

British Dictionary definitions for turtledove

turtledove

/ (ˈtɜːtəlˌdʌv) /


noun
  1. any of several Old World doves of the genus Streptopelia, having a brown plumage with speckled wings and a long dark tail

  2. a gentle or loving person

Origin of turtledove

1
see turtle ²

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012