rock dove

American  

noun

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

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rock dove British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of rock dove

First recorded in 1645–55

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

rock dove

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

From Golden Days for Boys and Girls Volume XIII, No. 51: November 12, 1892 by Elverson, James