mute swan

American  

noun

1. a commonly domesticated soundless white swan, Cygnus olor, of Europe and Asia.

---

mute swan British  

noun

1. a Eurasian swan, Cygnus olor, with a pure white plumage, an orange-red bill with a black base, and a curved neck Compare whistling swan

---

Etymology

Origin of mute swan

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

A mute swan is less vocal than other swan species, though not completely silent, and are present year-round.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 23, 2025

But while watching a video of a mute swan holding a chick on her back, Dr. Matsuoka had a brainwave.

From New York Times • Apr. 29, 2022

Alfie the mute swan may be the world's first jet-ski refugee.

From Salon • Jul. 19, 2021

A mute swan swam past on the way back to its nest, and two catbirds scavenged the ground, pecking in the gathering darkness.

From The New Yorker • Aug. 27, 2019

Spoilt for choice we went with this mute swan from Alison Brown to represent the seven swans-a-swimming.

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2013