Pigeon
/ˈpɪdʒ.ən/noun
A common bird often found in urban areas, known for its cooing sound and ability to return home from long distances.
Did you know?The term 'pigeon' is believed to derive from the Latin 'pipio,' meaning 'young chirping bird,' which was often associated with sacrificial offerings in ancient rites.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
pipio
“young chirping bird, often associated with offerings.”
Old French
Old French
pijon
“young dove or pigeon, used in culinary contexts.”
Middle English
Middle English
pijon
“a term for both domestic and wild doves.”
Modern English
English
pigeon
“the contemporary term for a variety of birds in the Columbidae family.”