noun
doe
DOH/dəʊ/
A female deer or certain other animals, such as rabbits.
The doe stands while her spotted fawn nurses.
Etymology
Old English da already meant “female deer,” preserving the central meaning of the modern word. Its earlier origin is unknown, though a Celtic source has been suggested.
In context
A seemingly harmless white-tailed doe may carry a deadly parasitic worm. Unaffected by it herself, she passes the parasite to snails, who sometimes feed on deer feces.
More examples
- Two does emerged from the trees.
- The rabbit doe rested near her young.
- We watched the doe cross the meadow.
Forms
doe · does
Similar words
- hind
- Usually a female red deer or related large deer.