coo

UK: kuː | US: kuː

Definition
  1. n. the soft murmuring sound made by a dove or pigeon

  2. vi. to make a soft murmuring sound like a dove or pigeon

  3. vi. (informal) to speak softly or lovingly

Structure

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Etymology

"coo" is an onomatopoeic word, directly imitating the soft, murmuring sound made by doves or pigeons. Such words are naturally monomorphic, as their form is derived from auditory imitation rather than morphological composition. First recorded in English in the 17th century, its usage expanded metaphorically to describe tender human speech.

Examples
  1. The doves cooed softly on the windowsill at dawn.

  2. She cooed to her baby, trying to calm him down.

  3. Lovers often coo sweet nothings to each other.

  4. The pigeons cooed rhythmically on the rooftop.

  5. He cooed over the kitten, stroking its fur gently.