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
Per the Press, in addition to geese, ducks and common mergansers have been found dead at Georgica Pond, along with a mute swan and a seagull.
—
Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 10 Mar. 2026
In recent weeks, avian flu has killed 37 birds — 29 of them royal mute swans — in the downtown park.
—Hal Boedeker, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026
What makes mute swans so destructive?
—Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2025
With the passage of AB 764, the mute swan joins the starling and the English sparrow as bird species that can be shot at any time.
—Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2025
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust says that three species of swans are native to the U.K., with the mute swan being the most recognizable.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
According to ancient lore, the monarch owns all members of the mute swan species found in Britain’s open waters.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 16 July 2025
Along with them were four mute swans and nearly a dozen buffleheads.
—Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
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.
Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 10 Mar. 2026
In recent weeks, avian flu has killed 37 birds — 29 of them royal mute swans — in the downtown park.
—Hal Boedeker, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026
What makes mute swans so destructive?
—Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2025
With the passage of AB 764, the mute swan joins the starling and the English sparrow as bird species that can be shot at any time.
—Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2025
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust says that three species of swans are native to the U.K., with the mute swan being the most recognizable.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
According to ancient lore, the monarch owns all members of the mute swan species found in Britain’s open waters.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 16 July 2025
Along with them were four mute swans and nearly a dozen buffleheads.
—Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mute swan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mute%20swan. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
