mourning dove

American  

noun

1. a dove, Zenaidura macroura, of North America, noted for its plaintive cooing.

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mourning dove British  

noun

1. a brown North American dove, Zenaidura macroura, with a plaintive song

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Etymology

Origin of mourning dove

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Compare meaning

How does mourning-dove compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• turtledove vs. mourning dove

Example Sentences

The lament of a mourning dove is accompanied by the shrill urgency of a red-winged blackbird flitting between field and power line.

From New York Times • Sep. 5, 2022

I described the mourning dove as “stupid,” “fearful” and “chubby.”

From Washington Post • May 9, 2022

The oblivious mourning dove outweighs many rivals, but proves relatively peaceful.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 28, 2021

Plenty of bird species are doing just fine in L.A. — and some far worse than the mourning dove.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 28, 2021

The tone was soft, like the call of a mourning dove.

From "Frightful's Mountain" by Jean Craighead George