# dove

/ˈdəv/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dove
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the bird

noun · CEFR B1

a small bird, usually white, that people often use as a symbol of peace.

For teachers: a bird of the family Columbidae, typically characterized by a small head, short legs, and a gentle cooing call.

- A white dove flew over the garden during the wedding ceremony.
- The artist used the image of a dove carrying an olive branch to represent the hope for a lasting ceasefire.

### 2. politics

noun · CEFR B2

a person in politics who prefers peace and talking instead of going to war.

For teachers: a person, especially a politician, who advocates for peaceful negotiation and conciliation rather than military conflict.

- The president was known as a dove who always tried to avoid war.
- While the military advisors acted as hawks, the diplomatic corps functioned as doves, urging the administration to continue the trade talks.

### 3. term of endearment

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary · Dialect

a sweet name you call someone you love or think is very gentle.

For teachers: a term of endearment applied to a person regarded as pure, innocent, or gentle.

- Don't cry, my little dove, everything will be fine.
- In the old folk song, the narrator refers to his lost love as a 'turtle dove' to emphasize her gentle nature.

## Examples

- The white dove is a famous symbol of peace.
- The president is known as a dove who prefers diplomatic solutions to international conflicts.
- While the military advisors pushed for an immediate strike, the doves in the cabinet argued that economic sanctions had not yet been given enough time to take effect.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.