mourning dove

American  

noun

1. a dove, Zenaidura macroura, of North America, noted for its plaintive cooing.

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mourning dove British  

noun

1. a brown North American dove, Zenaidura macroura, with a plaintive song

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Etymology

Origin of mourning dove

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Compare meaning

How does mourning-dove compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• turtledove vs. mourning dove

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

mourning dove

I also identified and sketched a heretofore elusive Engelmann oak while listening to the coo-coo-coo of a mourning dove and mellifluous chirping by other more high-pitched birdies.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 1, 2023

The lament of a mourning dove is accompanied by the shrill urgency of a red-winged blackbird flitting between field and power line.

From New York Times ● Sep. 5, 2022

But the mourning dove retreats for no bird.

From Washington Post ● May 9, 2022

The oblivious mourning dove outweighs many rivals, but proves relatively peaceful.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 28, 2021

Outside, a mourning dove cooed, the low hum of a lawn mower rose, a passing cloud cast them into shadow for a moment, then drifted away.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng