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

/ dəʊv /

verb

1. a past tense of dive

Dove

²

/ dʌv /

noun

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

dove

³

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˈdovish, adjective
• ˈdoveˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• 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

They said Goodwin was "stepping back from live to focus on his wellbeing" and added: "Mental health has always been central to Doves and we fully support him in his decision."

From BBC

But the gigs will be performed without Goodwin, whose challenges with mental health saw Doves cancel part of the last live tour in 2021.

From BBC

Manchester band Doves have announced a comeback album after spending the last three years out of the spotlight.

From BBC

A lot of us can think back to experiences of seeing our grandmothers and mothers or relatives with these cold creams of the ’90s, like Pond’s and Dove.

From Los Angeles Times

With her queer anthem ‘Boyfriend’ and its biting follow-up ‘Breakfast,’ Dove Cameron has left her perky Disney days behind.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• drab
• dusty
• grey
• silvery