dove

¹

[ duhv ]

noun

1. any bird of the family Columbidae, especially the smaller species with pointed tails. Compare pigeon ¹( def 1 ).
2. a pure white member of this species, used as a symbol of innocence, gentleness, tenderness, and peace.
3. Dove, a symbol for the Holy Ghost.
4. an innocent, gentle, or tender person.
5. Also called peace dove [pees, duhv]. a person, especially one in public office, who advocates peace, compromise, or a conciliatory national attitude. Compare hawk ¹( def 4 ).
6. dove color.
7. Economics. an official or advisor who advocates low interest rates or other monetary policies aimed at reducing unemployment and promoting economic growth.
8. Dove, Astronomy. the constellation Columba.

dove

²

[ dohv ]

verb

1. a simple past tense of dive.

Dove

³

[ duhv ]

noun

1. Arthur, 1880–1946, U.S. painter.
2. Rita, born 1952, U.S. poet and educator: U.S. poet laureate 1993.

Dove

¹

/ dʌv /

noun

1. the Dove
   Christianity a manifestation of the Holy Spirit (John 1:32)

dove

²

/ dʌv /

noun

1. any of various birds of the family Columbidae, having a heavy body, small head, short legs, and long pointed wings: order Columbiformes. They are typically smaller than pigeons columbine
2. politics a person opposed to war Compare hawk 1
3. a gentle or innocent person: used as a term of endearment
4. 1. a greyish-brown colour
   2. ( as adjective )

      dove walls

dove

³

/ dəʊv /

verb

1. a past tense of dive

Derived Forms

• ˈdovish, adjective
• ˈdoveˌlike, adjective

Other Word Forms

• dove·like dov·ish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dove¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English; Old English dūfe- (in dūfedoppa “dip-diver”); cognate with Dutch duif, German Taube, Old Norse dūfa, Gothic dūbo, originally, “a diver”

Word History and Origins

Origin of dove¹

Old English dūfe (unattested except as a feminine proper name); related to Old Saxon dūbva, Old High German tūba

Example Sentences

She wears a dove pendant that he gave her around her neck, the Catholic symbol of the Holy Spirit.

From Salon

One of rock’s most charismatic and talented frontmen, Eddie Vedder, often climbed the scaffolding and towering speakers and dove into the crowd, doing whatever it took to grab the audience’s attention.

From Los Angeles Times

There was also a magnitude 4.7 on Sept. 12 — startling enough that the city’s mayor and his wife dove under their kitchen table.

From Los Angeles Times

From the NFL’s most devilish franchise to who he sold his soul to in order to stay looking young, Bacon dove deep with host Nicholas Ducassi.

From Los Angeles Times

I just have admired him for so long that we both, before reading it, got very, very excited about the opportunity and dove into the script right away.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• drab
• dusty
• grey
• silvery