nighthawk
nounUK /ˈnʌɪthɔːk/ · US /ˈnaɪthɑk/
Etymology From night + hawk.
2
US A New World nightjar of the genus Chordeiles, especially Chordeiles minor.
- 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, published 2008, page 91:
3
A person whose preference or custom is to remain awake and active during the night and the early morning hours.
4
A nighthawker (metal detectorist who works illegally at night).
5
Japan, Historical An unlicensed prostitute who worked the roadsides at night.
- Synonyms
- bullbat, nightjar, night owl, night person
- Derived terms
- Antillean nighthawk, common nighthawk, least nighthawk, lesser nighthawk, Nacunda nighthawk, nighthawking, sand-colored nighthawk