turtle dove UK /ˈtɜːtəldʌv/US /ˈtɝtəldʌv/ noun2 •Any of several (species of) birds, called by this traditional name, mainly in the genus Streptopelia, of the family Columbidae (doves and pigeons, which also included the extinct passenger pigeon, dodo, and solitaire). •A lover, one half of a couple.Out for their evening constitutional. A lovely pair of turtledoves. Around the jolly corner, and off to the park. — 1961 formsturtle doves · turtle-doves