turtledove

noun

tur·​tle·​dove ˈtər-tᵊl-ˌdəv How to pronounce turtledove (audio)
: any of several small, wild, African and Eurasian pigeons (genus Streptopelia and especially S. turtur) noted for plaintive cooing

Examples of turtledove 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.
In scenes that find the Höss family in repose on the banks of the Sola, sound creates a canopy of futile escapism — the woodpeckers echoing the machine guns, the turtledoves grieving in the trees, the unceasing wails of Hedwig’s baby Annagret. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024 Hello, turtledoves, and welcome back to another edition of This Week in Timothée Chalamet. Cady Drell, Marie Claire, 21 Dec. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Middle English turtul douve, turtill dowfe "the dove Streptopelia turtur," from turtul, turtill turtle entry 3 + douve, dowfe dove entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of turtledove was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near turtledove

Cite this Entry

“Turtledove.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turtledove. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

turtledove

noun
tur·​tle·​dove ˈtərt-ᵊl-ˌdəv How to pronounce turtledove (audio)
: any of several small wild African and Eurasian pigeons noted for cooing

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