dove

¹dove

noun \ˈdəv\

Definition of DOVE

1

: any of numerous pigeons; especially : a small wild pigeon

2

: a gentle woman or child

3

: one who takes a conciliatory attitude and advocates negotiations and compromise; especially : an opponent of war — compare hawk

— dov·ish \ˈdə-vish\ adjective

— dov·ish·ness noun

Examples of DOVE

1. The President sided with the doves and worked to avoid war.
2. <the doves were in favor of using the surplus to improve the nation's schools and not its weapons systems>

Origin of DOVE

Middle English, from Old English *dūfe; akin to Old High German tūba dove

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to DOVE

Synonyms: pacifist, peacenik

Antonyms: hawk, jingo, war hawk, warmonger

Related Words: peacemaker

Near Antonyms: militarist; chauvinist, nationalist

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Birds Terms

aerie, bunting, clutch, covey, hackle, ratite, rictus, ruff, skein, zygodactyl

Rhymes with DOVE

glove, love, of, shove