ringdove

or ring dove

[ ring-duhv ]

noun

1. a small Old World dove, dove, Streptopelia risoria, having a black half ring around the nape of the neck.
2. wood pigeon.

ringdove

/ ˈrɪŋˌdʌv /

noun

1. another name for wood pigeon
2. an Old World turtledove, Streptopelia risoria , having a greyish plumage with a black band around the neck

Word History and Origins

Origin of ringdove¹

First recorded in 1530–40; ring ¹ + dove ¹

Example Sentences

Enters your hostess with two ringdoves perched familiarly on her shoulder.

From Project Gutenberg

Yon palace, towering to the welkin blue, Where kings did bow them down, and homage do, I saw a ringdove on its arches perched, And thus she made complaint, �Coo, Coo, Coo, Coo!�

From Project Gutenberg

The ringdove sate silent in the dell; and the wood-quests were gathering into groups.

From Project Gutenberg

Linger awhile upon some bending planks 5 That lean against a streamlet's rushy banks, And watch intently Nature's gentle doings, They will be found softer than ringdove's cooings.

From Project Gutenberg

Now in sight, perchance in hearing Of the melancholy plover, Of the bluebird’s thrilling whistle, Of the redbird’s gentle chirping, Of the blackbird’s noisy chatter, Of the whippoorwill’s soft pleading, And the ringdove’s tender cooing.

From Project Gutenberg