How Do You Spell DOVECOTE?

Pronunciation: [dˈʌvkə͡ʊt] (IPA)

The word "dovecote" refers to a small structure that houses pigeons or doves. It's pronounces as "duhv-koht" and spelled phonetically as /dʌvkoʊt/. The word is composed of two elements, "dove" and "cote," with "dove" representing the bird and "cote" meaning a shelter for animals. Despite being a relatively uncommon word, the spelling of "dovecote" remains constant in English, making it easy to recognize and use in written communication.

DOVECOTE Meaning and Definition

1. A dovecote is a small, often cylindrical or square building or structure specifically designed to house a group of doves or pigeons. These structures are commonly found in rural or farm settings, and are built to provide a safe and secure habitat for the birds. Dovecotes can vary in size, but they typically consist of multiple compartments or niches, each intended to house a pair of birds.

   The design and construction of dovecotes often incorporate features that both attract the birds and protect them from predators. This can include providing a variety of nesting sites within the compartments, as well as narrow entrance holes that are specifically sized to deter larger predators. The interior of the dovecote is typically well-ventilated to ensure proper air circulation for the birds, and may be furnished with perches or ledges for them to rest upon.

   Historically, dovecotes were not only utilized for their symbolic association with peace and love, but were also valued for their practical purposes. The birds housed in dovecotes were often utilized for their meat, eggs, and droppings, which served as a source of fertilizer. Additionally, dovecotes were sometimes used as a means of communication, with trained homing pigeons being released from them to transmit messages between distant places.

   Today, while dovecotes may still be found in traditional or heritage settings, their function has shifted primarily to ornamental or recreational purposes rather than practical use.

Common Misspellings for DOVECOTE

• dovote
• dovecotee
• dovecoty
• Duvecote
• Dovcott
• Duvcote
• Duvekote
• Duvecott
• Dovecotie

Etymology of DOVECOTE

The word "dovecote" is derived from the combination of two words: "dove" and "cote".

The term "dove" originates from the Old English word "dūfe", which is related to the Proto-Germanic word "dūbōną". This word has its roots in the Proto-Indo-European language and is believed to be imitative of the sound a dove makes.

The word "cote" comes from an Old English word "cot", which means "small wooden shelter or cottage". It is related to the Middle Dutch word "kote" and the Middle High German word "kot", both of which have similar meanings.

The combination of these two words, "dove" and "cote", gave rise to the word "dovecote". It originally referred to a small shelter or house built to house doves or pigeons.

Idioms with the word DOVECOTE

• a flutter in the dovecote The idiom "a flutter in the dovecote" refers to a situation or occurrence that causes a disturbance or commotion, typically within a calm or peaceful environment. It implies that something has stirred up or unsettled the normal order or tranquility, creating a moment of unrest or agitation. The expression is often used figuratively to describe a minor or temporary disruption.
• flutter the dovecote The idiom "flutter the dovecote" is an expression that refers to causing a great deal of excitement, commotion, or unrest in a calm or peaceful situation. It suggests creating a disturbance or disturbance by disturbing the status quo or disrupting peace and tranquility. It originated from the idea of startling a flock of doves, which would take off and fly in all directions in response to the disturbance.

Plural form of DOVECOTE is DOVECOTES