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

Cox, who had never heard of VDare, dove into the site, finding a trove of pseudoscientific articles on such subjects as measuring skull sizes and comparing Northern European and African head shapes to determine intelligence.

From Salon

The most impressive might have belonged to guard Skyy Clark, who dove into the broadcaster’s table near midcourt to save his steal from going out of bounds.

From Los Angeles Times

He also dove to catch a bunt on the fly early in the game.

From Los Angeles Times

They lovingly renovated the house, painting cherry blossom and doves - symbols of love and well-being - in their bedroom.

From BBC

I dove into this question for my book and was surprised to learn, after nearly a decade of writing about personal finance, that budgeting hasn’t been proven to improve your financial situation.

From Salon

Related Words

• drab
• dusty
• grey
• silvery