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Nightingale: meaning, definitions and examples

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nightingale

 

[ˈnaɪtɪŋɡeɪl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

bird

A small passerine bird known for its powerful and beautiful song, often associated with the night. The nightingale is known for its melodious and enchanting voice, which has been the subject of poetry and literature for centuries.

Synonyms

songbird, thrush, warbler.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nightingale

Used when referring to a specific bird known for its beautiful and powerful song, often in literature and poetry.

  • The nightingale sang a melody that echoed through the silent forest
songbird

General term for birds known for their singing abilities. Used when mentioning singing birds in a general sense or describing various types of singing birds.

  • The garden was filled with songbirds each morning, creating a natural symphony
thrush

Refers to a specific family of birds known for their melodic songs. Used when talking about these types of birds, especially in ornithology.

  • The thrush perched on the branch, delivering its sweet tune at dusk
warbler

Refers to a group of small, often brightly colored birds that sing in high-pitched voices. Commonly used in birdwatching contexts and descriptions of bird behavior.

  • The warbler flitted from tree to tree, its high-pitched notes filling the air

Examples of usage

  • The nightingale's song filled the forest with its sweet melody.
  • I could hear the nightingale singing in the distance.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'nightingale' comes from Middle English 'nightingal,' which combines 'night' and 'gale' meaning song.
  • Its name reflects its turn of phrase very literally: a bird that sings at night.

Literature

  • This bird has inspired various works of literature, including Samuel Taylor Coleridge's 'The Nightingale.'
  • In Greek mythology, the nightingale is associated with tragedy and loss, symbolizing mourning.

Cultural Significance

  • In medieval Europe, nightingales were often seen as symbols of love and romance.
  • Poets across centuries have used the nightingale as a metaphor for beauty and the fleeting nature of life.

Music and Art

  • The nightingale's song has influenced many composers, including Beethoven and Rachmaninoff, who featured it in their music.
  • In visual arts, the nightingale often appears in paintings to represent nature's beauty.

Habitat and Behavior

  • These birds are primarily found in Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia, thriving in woodland areas.
  • Nightingales are known for their aggressive behavior when defending their territory, showcasing a strong sense of ownership.

Translations

Translations of the word "nightingale" in other languages:

🇵🇹 rouxinol

🇮🇳 बुलबुल

🇩🇪 Nachtigall

🇮🇩 burung bulbul

🇺🇦 соловей

🇵🇱 słowik

🇯🇵 ナイチンゲール

🇫🇷 rossignol

🇪🇸 ruiseñor

🇹🇷 bülbül

🇰🇷 나이팅게일

🇸🇦 العندليب

🇨🇿 slavík

🇸🇰 slávik

🇨🇳 夜莺

🇸🇮 slavček

🇮🇸 næturgali

🇰🇿 бұлбұл

🇬🇪 ბულბული

🇦🇿 bülbül

🇲🇽 ruiseñor

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,113, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.