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

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

Tomorrow: Defenders of the mourning dove fight back.

From Washington Post • May 8, 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

She suddenly felt shy around Diana, who seemed even more imposing away from the looms when her lovely, elegant voice was pitched rich and low like the call of a mourning dove.

From "Lyddie" by Katherine Paterson