Nighthawk: meaning, definitions and examples

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nighthawk

 

[ ˈnaɪtˌhɔk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

bird species

A nighthawk is a type of bird that belongs to the family Nightjars. They are known for their distinctive call, which sounds like a 'peent,' and their nocturnal habits. Nighthawks are often found in open areas and are notable for their aerial feeding behavior.

Synonyms

common nighthawk, nightjar, swift

Examples of usage

  • The nighthawk swooped down to catch insects in mid-air.
  • You can often hear the nighthawk's call at dusk.
  • During migration, nighthawks travel thousands of miles.
  • The common nighthawk has a unique camouflage that helps it blend into its surroundings.

Translations

Translations of the word "nighthawk" in other languages:

🇵🇹 falcão noturno

🇮🇳 रात का बाज़

🇩🇪 Nachtfalke

🇮🇩 elang malam

🇺🇦 совка

🇵🇱 sowa nocna

🇯🇵 ナイトホーク

🇫🇷 faucon nocturne

🇪🇸 halcón nocturno

🇹🇷 gece şahin

🇰🇷 밤매

🇸🇦 صقر الليل

🇨🇿 noční sokol

🇸🇰 nočný sokol

🇨🇳 夜鹰

🇸🇮 nočni sokol

🇮🇸 næturhauk

🇰🇿 түнгі бүркіт

🇬🇪 ღამის მტრედი

🇦🇿 gecə şahin

🇲🇽 halcón nocturno

Word origin

The term 'nighthawk' originates from Middle English 'nighthauk', where 'night' refers to the time when these birds are most active and 'hawk' denotes their predatory flying abilities. The word combines elements from Old English and Old Norse, reflecting the bird's characteristics of both night activity and hunting. Historically, nighthawks were often associated with myths and folklore, symbolizing mysterious or elusive qualities due to their nocturnal habits. Over time, the species evolved in various habitats across North America, adapting to open landscapes where they could hunt for insects. Their unique vocalizations and mating displays have been celebrated in various cultures, contributing to their presence in literature and wildlife studies.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,345, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.