colombe
/kɔ.lɔ̃b/feminine
The French word for dove is colombe. Wiktionary also lists pigeon.
Meaning: bird of the family Columbidae, especially one smaller than a pigeon (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| colombe | /kɔ.lɔ̃b/ | feminine |
| pigeon | /pi.ʒɔ̃/ | masculine |
Use colombe for the poetic or symbolic dove, while pigeon refers to the common urban bird.
Which one should you use?
While both words refer to birds in the Columbidae family, colombe is used for the symbolic dove of peace, whereas pigeon is used for the common bird. Conversely, pigeon is used for the common urban bird, whereas colombe is reserved for the more poetic or symbolic bird.
How does it change in a sentence?
colombe is a feminine noun, often used in the phrase une colombe.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɔ.lɔ̃b/
Did you know?
- The term pigeon in French can also be used as a verb, pigeonner, meaning to trick someone out of their money.
- In French, calling someone a pigeon is a common slang term for an easy target or a gullible person.
- The word pigeon comes from the Latin pīpiāre, which means 'to chirp'.
Examples in context
- Ce pigeon est blessé.That dove is wounded.This sentence is useful for describing a wounded pigeon.Tatoeba #7898976 by felix63, translation #13371805 by rul
- La colombe symbolise la paix.The dove is a symbol of peace.This sentence illustrates how colombe can be used as a symbol of peace.Tatoeba #6587847 by Micsmithel, translation #35131 by CK
- La colombe est un symbole de paix.The dove symbolizes peace.This sentence provides another way to express that the colombe is a symbol of peace.Tatoeba #6587849 by Micsmithel, translation #4284637 by seltsameseeds
- La colombe est symbole de paix et d'amourThe dove is a symbol of peace and love
- Les colombidés sont présents dans de nombreuses régions du mondeDoves are present in many regions of the world
- Les tourterelles chantent doucement au printempsDoves sing softly in the spring
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are looking at a painting of a bird.
- NathanQu'est-ce que c'est, une colombe ?What is it, a dove?
- LéaOui, c'est une belle colombe blanche.Yes, it is a beautiful white dove.
- NathanElle a l'air très calme.It looks very calm.
- LéaC'est typique pour une colombe.That is typical for a dove.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dove” translations and entries colombe, pigeon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries colombe, pigeon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
