noun any one of several species of pigeons more or less resembling the true turtledoves, as the american mourning dove (see under dove), and the australian turtledove (stictopelia cuneata).
2. turtledove ·noun any one of numerous species of pigeons belonging to turtur and allied genera, native of various parts of the old world; especially, the common european species (turtur vulgaris), which is noted for its plaintive note, affectionate disposition, and devotion to its mate.