Definition

1. Noun:

   • The soft, murmuring sound made by a dove or pigeon: A low, gentle, and repetitive vocalization characteristic of these birds.
   • Any similar soft, murmuring sound: Can be used to describe a soft, soothing sound made by a person, especially when speaking affectionately.

2. Verb:

   • To make the soft, low sound characteristic of a dove or pigeon: The primary action of the bird.
   • To speak in a soft, gentle, and loving tone: To utter words softly, often expressing affection, comfort, or endearment.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The only sound in the garden was the gentle coo of the doves.
  • She spoke to the infant in a soothing coo.

• Verb:

  • The pigeons cooed softly on the windowsill.
  • The parents cooed over their newborn baby, whispering sweet words.

Advanced Usage

• "to bill and coo": To whisper and murmur lovingly to each other; to engage in affectionate talk or behavior, often used for couples.
  • The young lovers sat in the park, billing and cooing for hours.

Variants and Related Words

• Cooing (n/adj): The act or sound of cooing; making a soft murmuring sound.
  • The baby was soothed by her mother's cooing voice.

Synonyms

• Murmur: To make a low, continuous, indistinct sound.
• Croon: To sing or hum in a soft, soothing voice.
• Purr: To make a low, continuous vibratory sound expressing contentment (like a cat); can be used figuratively for a person's voice.

Related Phrases

• Coo over someone/something: To express admiration or affection for someone or something in a soft, gentle voice.
  • The aunts gathered to coo over the new family photographs.

Noun

1. the sound made by a pigeon

Verb

1. cry softly, as of pigeons
2. speak softly or lovingly
   • The mother who held her baby was cooing softly