dove

¹ American  

[duhv] / dʌv /

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.

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dove ² American  

[dohv] / doʊv /

verb

1. a simple past tense of dive.

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Dove ³ American  

[duhv] / dʌv /

noun

1. Arthur, 1880–1946, U.S. painter.

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

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dove ¹ British  

/ 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

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Dove ² British  

/ dʌv /

noun

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

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dove ³ British  

/ dəʊv /

verb

1. a past tense of dive

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Other Word Forms

• dovelike adjective
• dovish adjective

Etymology

Origin of dove

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”

Example Sentences

While Catholic kids have usually been led to assume that the baby Jesus arrived on the wings of doves, Mary’s labor is nothing short of agonizing.

From The Wall Street Journal

Central bank watchers like to categorize board members as hawks or doves.

From The Wall Street Journal

In time, the locust drone of the school board gave over to the mourning of doves in the eaves.

From Literature

The fingers of his left hand are pinched on the lid of the vacuum, poised for the prestidigitatorial reveal that will return the dove to life.

From The Wall Street Journal

Jonas went into remission that April and immediately dove into his creative process, setting “Restart” alongside a previously developed piece titled “Mind Cry.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• drab
• dusty
• silvery