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

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

The report said the state had experienced a nearly 4% drop in its mourning dove population each year over the preceding 10 years.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2021

Except for the rustle of the swallows, and a mourning dove calling from the mouth of the canyon, it was quiet.

From "Ceremony:" by Leslie Marmon Silko