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
Along with them were four mute swans and nearly a dozen buffleheads.
—
Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
What To Know Students and staff are mourning the loss of white mute swan Zeus, a longtime campus fixture.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
The mute swans’ carcasses were recovered Nov. 26 from Mather Lake at Mather Regional Park by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
—Darrell Smith, Sacramento Bee, 7 Jan. 2025
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
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.
Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
What To Know Students and staff are mourning the loss of white mute swan Zeus, a longtime campus fixture.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
The mute swans’ carcasses were recovered Nov. 26 from Mather Lake at Mather Regional Park by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
—Darrell Smith, Sacramento Bee, 7 Jan. 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Mute swan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mute%20swan. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share