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

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.

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

The female mute swan, who lives at London's Highgate ponds, rejected all potential mates when her first love died after flying into a building.

From BBC