dove

Everyday

1. A dove is a pale grey or white bird of the pigeon family that coos. tree →
2. A dove is a sign of peace; in the Bible a dove brought Noah an olive leaf, and the Holy Spirit came down like a dove on Jesus. tree →
3. (US) Dove (rhymes with "stove") is a past tense of dive: "She dove into the pool." tree →
4. (politics) A dove is a person who wants peace rather than war. tree →

In the lessons

In science, doves and pigeons are the same family. In art and church, a white dove with an olive branch shows peace and the Holy Spirit. In the USA and Canada children say "dove" for the past of dive; in the UK they usually say "dived". Phrases: a white dove, a dove of peace, turtle dove, gentle as a dove.

Examples

• A white dove sat on the church roof. tree →
• Noah sent out a dove, and it came back with an olive leaf. tree →
• We drew a dove with an olive branch for Peace Day. tree →
• The doves cooed softly in the garden. tree →
• Jake dove into the lake. (US) tree →
• The Spirit came down on Jesus like a dove. tree →
• Two turtle doves are in the Christmas song. tree →
• ‘I have caught a dove,’ answered he. tree →

Note

Two words, two sounds: dove the bird rhymes with "love"; dove the past of dive rhymes with "stove". In UK English the past of dive is usually "dived". Plural doves.

In Jewish tradition

In the Torah the dove is the bird Noah sends out of the ark, and also a cheap offering (a turtle-dove or young pigeon) for people who could not afford an animal. In the Song of Songs the beloved's eyes are like doves, and in Isaiah doves flying home to their cotes picture people returning.

Interpretation. Tradition reads the dove returning with an olive leaf as a sign that the flood was ending and the world could begin again. The dove is also seen as a gentle, faithful bird, and in the Song of Songs it is read as a picture of Israel's love for God.

Examples

• And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark. (Torah GEN.8.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• And he shall offer one of the turtle-doves, or of the young pigeons, such as his means suffice for; (Torah LEV.14.30, JPS 1917) tree →
• And he stayed yet other seven days; and sent forth the dove; and she returned not again unto him any more. (Torah GEN.8.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• His eyes are like doves beside the water-brooks; washed with milk, and fitly set. (Writings SNG.5.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thine eyes are as doves. (Writings SNG.1.15, JPS 1917) tree →
• Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their cotes? (Prophets ISA.60.8, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Two words, two sounds: dove the bird rhymes with "love"; dove the past of dive rhymes with "stove". In UK English the past of dive is usually "dived". Plural doves.