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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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of mute swan

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From 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.

From New York Times

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

From 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.

From Seattle Times