domestic pigeon
1
3.5
- noun
- /dəˈmɛstɪk ˈpɪdʒən/
:
paloma mensajera
- Many people raise domestic pigeons for sport.
Examples
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The domestic pigeon can be trained to deliver messages over long distances.
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The domestic pigeon is often found in urban areas.
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Some people race domestic pigeons as a popular hobby around the world.
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The domestic pigeon has many color varieties thanks to centuries of selective breeding.
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Many families keep a domestic pigeon as a pet for its friendly nature.
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In many cities, domestic pigeons can be seen gathering in parks and squares.
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Some people raise domestic pigeons for sport, participating in racing competitions.
Synonyms
247
1.0
A plump bird with a small head often seen in cities
How Domesticated
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a pigeon tamed or bred by humans' is directly derivable from combining 'domestic' (tame/kept by humans) with 'pigeon' (a bird). This simple adjective+noun composition follows a common and transparent semantic pattern in English (and many other languages), so a B1 learner who knows both constituents should understand it.
Etymology
The noun domestic pigeon comes from people keeping and breeding wild pigeons until they became domestic birds kept by humans. Because these birds lived in homes or pigeon houses and were used for food, racing, or carrying messages, the phrase means 'a pigeon kept and bred by humans'.