nighthawk
UK /ˈnʌɪthɔːk/ · US /ˈnaɪthɑk/ noun
Forms nighthawks
- noun (UK, regional) A nightjar, especially Caprimulgus europaeus (Eurasian nightjar).
- noun (US) A New World nightjar of the genus Chordeiles, especially Chordeiles minor.
- noun A person whose preference or custom is to remain awake and active during the night and the early morning hours.
- noun A nighthawker (metal detectorist who works illegally at night).
- noun (Japan, historical) An unlicensed prostitute who worked the roadsides at night.
Synonyms
bullbat nightjar night owl night person nightbird mosquito hawk
Etymology
From night + hawk.
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 — from the Wiktionary entry “nighthawk”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details