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

Mourning dove: Don’t let the hoots fool you.

From Washington Times • Mar. 19, 2016

Mourning dove, 103. headquarters, 199. joke of, 200. manners, 196, 198, 199. nest, 198. silence of, 201, 204. song, 195, 204. talk, 204. wing whistle, 204. young, interview with, 201. young, manners of, 197, 201.

From A Bird-Lover in the West by Miller, Olive Thorne