mourning dove

noun

: an American dove (Zenaida macroura) with a pointed tail and a plaintive coo

Examples of mourning dove in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The large doves have moved north, forcing out the mourning doves and Inca doves in many Austin neighborhoods. Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 13 Mar. 2024 Screening off the area, hanging out scary objects or enclosing the nest will likely deter the mourning doves from building a nest. Joan Morris, The Mercury News, 17 June 2024 The coos of a mourning dove float in on the breeze. Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 10 May 2024 Among the likely birds in Sacramento: house finch, mourning dove, crow, cedar waxwing, scrub jay, mockingbird, sparrow, goldfinch, junco and woodpecker. Debbie Arrington, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mourning dove 

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mourning dove was in 1833

Dictionary Entries Near mourning dove

Cite this Entry

“Mourning dove.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mourning%20dove. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

mourning dove

noun
: a dove of North America with a mournful call

More from Merriam-Webster on mourning dove

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