dove Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun any of numerous small pigeons
  2. noun someone who prefers negotiations to armed conflict in the conduct of foreign relations
    peacenik.
  3. noun a constellation in the southern hemisphere near Puppis and Caelum
    Columba.
  4. noun flesh of a pigeon suitable for roasting or braising; flesh of a dove (young squab) may be broiled
    squab.
  5. noun an emblem of peace
  6. verb drop steeply
    plunk; dive; plunge.
    • the stock market plunged
  7. verb plunge into water
    dive.
    • I was afraid to dive from the board into the pool
  8. verb swim under water
    dive.
    • the children enjoyed diving and looking for shells

WordNet

Dove noun
Etymology
OE. dove, duve, douve, AS. dfe; akin to OS. dba, D. duif, OHG. tba, G. taube, Icel. dfa, Sw. dufva, Dan. due, Goth. db; perh. from the root of E. dive.
Definitions
  1. (Zoöl.) A pigeon of the genus Columba and various related genera. The species are numerous. ✍ The domestic dove, including the varieties called fantails, tumblers, carrier pigeons, etc., was derived from the rock pigeon (Columba livia) of Europe and Asia; the turtledove of Europe, celebrated for its sweet, plaintive note, is C. turtur or Turtur vulgaris; the ringdove, the largest of European species, is C. palumbus; the Carolina dove, or Mourning dove, is Zenaidura macroura; the sea dove is the little auk (Mergulus alle or Alle alle). See Turtledove, Ground dove, and Rock pigeon. The dove is a symbol of innocence, gentleness, and affection; also, in art and in the Scriptures, the typical symbol of the Holy Ghost. also a symbol of peace
  2. A word of endearment for one regarded as pure and gentle.
    O my dove, . . . let me hear thy voice. Cant. ii. 14.

Webster 1913