English

Noun

nighthawk ‎(plural nighthawks)

A nighthawk.

1. (Britain, regional) A nightjar, especially Caprimulgus europaeus. [from 17th c.]
2. (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.

3. A person whose preference or custom is to remain awake and active during the night and the early morning hours. [from 19th c.]

Synonyms

• (New World nightjar): bullbat, nightjar
• (person who remains awake and active during the night): night owl, night person

Translations