bird of peace: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowLiterary, Poetic, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “bird of peace” mean?
A symbol or metaphor representing peace, often depicted as a white dove.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A symbol or metaphor representing peace, often depicted as a white dove.
Any bird used poetically or culturally to symbolize peace, reconciliation, or the end of conflict. In historical contexts, can refer to specific birds like cranes or other species associated with pacifism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the phrase in similar literary and journalistic contexts.
Connotations
Carries the same positive, idealistic connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Rare in everyday conversation in both varieties. Slightly more common in UK literary and historical writing due to traditional cultural references.
Grammar
How to Use “bird of peace” in a Sentence
The [NOUN] was seen as a bird of peace.She released a bird of peace into the sky.The dove is the traditional bird of peace.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Could appear metaphorically in corporate communications about mergers or ending disputes.
Academic
Used in literature, history, and cultural studies to discuss symbolism, mythology, and allegory.
Everyday
Almost never used in casual conversation. Might be understood in a poetic or rhetorical sense.
Technical
Not a technical term in any scientific field.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bird of peace”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bird of peace”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bird of peace”
- Using it to refer to an actual, specific species of bird in a literal sense.
- Confusing it with 'bird of paradise' (a different phrase).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily a metaphorical and symbolic term. While most commonly associated with the dove, it is not a zoological classification.
It would sound very poetic or formal. In everyday speech, 'dove' or 'symbol of peace' is more natural.
In different cultural contexts, yes. For example, cranes are sometimes called birds of peace in East Asian art and poetry.
They are very close synonyms. 'Bird of peace' is slightly more general and literary, while 'peace dove' is a more direct compound noun specifying the dove.
A symbol or metaphor representing peace, often depicted as a white dove.
Bird of peace is usually literary, poetic, figurative in register.
Bird of peace: in British English it is pronounced bɜːd ɒv piːs, and in American English it is pronounced bɝːd əv piːs. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “extend an olive branch”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a white dove (the bird) holding an olive branch (a symbol of peace). Bird + peace = bird of peace.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEACE IS A BIRD. CONFLICT RESOLUTION IS RELEASING/SENDING A BIRD.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a 'bird of peace' in Western tradition?