mute swan

noun

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

mute swan

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of mute swan¹

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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Some of these waterfowl hit remarkable sizes: The Pleistocene giant swan of Malta, which some researchers have suggested was land-bound, was 30 percent larger than a living mute swan.

Read more on New York Times

“The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife does not authorize relocation for mute swan since they are an exotic species,” Ms. Espinosa said.

Read more on New York Times

As an invasive species, the mute swan has stirred debate in New York.

Read more on New York Times

The mute swan, which has an orange bill and holds its neck in a graceful S-curve, isn’t native to North America.

Read more on Seattle Times