-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
mute swan
noun
: a common white swan (Cygnus olor) that produces no loud notes, is native to Europe and western Asia, and has been introduced into parts of the U.S.
Examples of mute swan in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Most waterfowl are likewise still to arrive: While a few species — mallards, Canada geese and mute swans — do breed locally, the vast majority of our ducks are winter birds.
—Jack Gedney, The Mercury News, 23 Sep. 2024
Unlike swans native to North America, mute swans do not migrate south in the winter but instead move regionally.
—Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2023
In the 12th century, the crown claimed ownership over the mute swans, which were often served at banquets.
—The New York Times Elaine Chen Emily Anthes, New York Times, 18 May 2023
The two mute swans are not native to the U.S., but are the largest birds in New York.
—Francisco Guzman, USA TODAY, 1 June 2023
Two are native and one, the mute swan, is not.
—Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 15 Mar. 2021
Take the mute swan, for example.
—Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 15 Mar. 2021
Owls have 14; ducks have 16; the mute swan has a whopping 25.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Oct. 2022
On that day there will seven live trumpeter swans, one tundra and 14 mute swan swimming in the area where the dead swans were discovered.
—Carrie Napoleon, chicagotribune.com, 28 Dec. 2021
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1785, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near mute swan
Cite this Entry
“Mute swan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mute%20swan. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
More from Merriam-Webster on mute swan
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mute swan
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share