nighthawk
See also: night hawk
English
Etymology
From night + hawk.
Pronunciation
- (UK) IPA(key): /ˈnʌɪthɔːk/
- (US) IPA(key): /ˈnaɪthɑk/
Noun
nighthawk (plural nighthawks)
![](Images/wiktionary/Chordeiles_minorEJN31CB.jpg.webp)
A nighthawk.
- (UK, regional) A nightjar, especially Caprimulgus europaeus (Eurasian nightjar). [from 17th c.]
- (US) A New World nightjar of the genus Chordeiles, especially Chordeiles minor. [from 18th c.]
- 1929, Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms, Folio Society 2008, p. 91:
- The swallows circled around and I watched them and the night-hawks flying above the roofs and drank the Cinzano.
- 1929, Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms, Folio Society 2008, p. 91:
- A person whose preference or custom is to remain awake and active during the night and the early morning hours. [from 19th c.]
- A nighthawker (metal detectorist who works illegally at night).
Synonyms
- (New World nightjar): bullbat, nightjar
- (person who remains awake and active during the night): night owl, night person
Derived terms
- Antillean nighthawk (Chordeiles gundlachii)
- common nighthawk (Chordeiles minor)
- least nighthawk (Chordeiles pusillus)
- lesser nighthawk (Chordeiles acutipennis)
- Nacunda nighthawk (Chordeiles nacunda)
- sand-colored nighthawk (Chordeiles rupestris)
Translations
Caprimulgus europaeus
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New World nightjar
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night owl — see night owl