colombe

Colombe is the French word for dove, a bird in the family Columbidae. It is used for several species within the genus Columba, including the rock dove (Columba livia) and other related species.

As a symbol, the dove is widely associated with peace, innocence, and the Holy Spirit in Christian iconography, and the term colombe appears in poetry and art in various cultural contexts.

In cuisine, colombe denotes a traditional French Christmas cake, the colombe de Noël. The pastry is a light, yeast-leavened loaf enriched with eggs and butter, often flavored with vanilla or citrus and studded with dried fruit. It is typically baked in a tall, dove-shaped mold, which gives the confection its name and identity in many French-speaking regions. Variants exist across France and Belgium, with some versions resembling a denser panettone and others featuring a sugar glaze or almond topping.

Etymology and usage: From Latin columba meaning dove. The word is also used as a feminine given name in French-speaking areas.