Coo
/kuː/noun
To make the soft, low sound associated especially with pigeons and doves.
Did you know?Unlike many English words, “coo” has no securely reconstructed ancient root; it is considered an imitative, or echoic, word shaped directly by the sound of the bird.
Etymological Timeline
Prehistoric sound symbolism
Human speech
*kuː
“A reconstructed approximation of the soft birdlike sound imitated by speakers; not a securely documented written form.”
14th Century
Middle English
couen
“To make the characteristic soft sound of a dove or pigeon.”
15th Century
English
coo
“A dove’s or pigeon’s murmuring call; the spelling gradually settled into its modern form.”
16th Century
English
coo
“To make a soft, murmuring sound, also extended figuratively to speaking fondly or lovingly.”
Modern English
English
coo
“To make a dove-like sound or speak in an excessively sweet, admiring manner.”
Explore more surprising origins