mute swan

noun

: a common white swan (Cygnus olor) that produces no loud notes, is native to Europe and western Asia, and has been introduced into parts of the U.S.

Examples of mute swan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Most waterfowl are likewise still to arrive: While a few species — mallards, Canada geese and mute swans — do breed locally, the vast majority of our ducks are winter birds. Jack Gedney, The Mercury News, 23 Sep. 2024 Unlike swans native to North America, mute swans do not migrate south in the winter but instead move regionally. Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2023 In the 12th century, the crown claimed ownership over the mute swans, which were often served at banquets. The New York Times Elaine Chen Emily Anthes, New York Times, 18 May 2023 The two mute swans are not native to the U.S., but are the largest birds in New York. Francisco Guzman, USA TODAY, 1 June 2023 Two are native and one, the mute swan, is not. Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 15 Mar. 2021 Take the mute swan, for example. Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 15 Mar. 2021 Owls have 14; ducks have 16; the mute swan has a whopping 25. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Oct. 2022 On that day there will seven live trumpeter swans, one tundra and 14 mute swan swimming in the area where the dead swans were discovered. Carrie Napoleon, chicagotribune.com, 28 Dec. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mute swan was in 1785

Dictionary Entries Near mute swan

Cite this Entry

“Mute swan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mute%20swan. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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