paloma
/paˈloma/
The Spanish word paloma means dove or pigeon.
The word is used to refer to a dove or a pigeon.
What does it mean word for word?
The word paloma literally means 'dove/pigeon'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia, the term tórtola may be used instead of paloma to refer to a dove or pigeon.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈloma/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American urban contexts, referring to a paloma can be a coded way to describe a 'snitch' or an informant. This usage is the opposite of the bird's typical peaceful connotation.
- The word paloma is frequently used in Spanish-speaking countries to name a specific cocktail made with Tequila, grapefruit juice, and soda.
- The Latin root 'palumbus' suggests that the word was specifically linked to the 'wood pigeon' long before it became the general term 'paloma'.
Examples in context
- Miré una paloma en el parqueI saw a dove in the park
- ¡Mira esa palomita tan linda!Look at that cute little dove!
- Esa paloma es de color blanco.That pigeon is white.
- La paloma vuela sobre el parque.The pigeon flies over the park.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are sitting on a park bench.
- Alejandro¿Ves esa paloma allí?Do you see that pigeon there?
- SofíaSí, la paloma es muy bonita.Yes, the pigeon is very pretty.
- AlejandroParece que tiene hambre.It looks like it is hungry.
- SofíaVamos a darle un poco de pan.Let's give it some bread.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry paloma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries paloma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
