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

• dovelike adjective
• dovish 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

Meanwhile, governor Christopher Waller, a leading dove, sees inflation driven mostly by tariffs and cyclical labor weakness, with slower wage growth and falling openings signaling demand-side slowing.

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Since the start of the millennium, Wales has already witnessed the loss of 11 species, with the European turtle dove and belted beauty moth becoming geographically extinct.

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The backgrounds changed to imagery that matched the rappers’ hometowns as they dove into their personal discography.

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In January, Mamdani memorably dove into the frigid waters off Coney Island to publicize his freeze on rents.

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The birds perched in the trees were not vultures but gentle cooing doves, with a few comically roosting chickens mixed among them.

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Related Words

• drab 
• dusty 
• silvery