noun · 7 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
UK:/ˈnʌɪthɔːk/
Southern-England:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
US:/ˈnaɪthɑk/
CMU ARPABET:N AY1 T HH AO2 K
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
noun
Meaning 1
A nightjar, especially Caprimulgus europaeus (Eurasian nightjar).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: UK, regional
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
A New World nightjar of the genus Chordeiles, especially Chordeiles minor.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: US
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
noun
Meaning 3
A person whose preference or custom is to remain awake and active during the night and the early morning hours.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
noun
Meaning 4
A nighthawker (metal detectorist who works illegally at night).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
5
noun
Meaning 5
An unlicensed prostitute who worked the roadsides at night.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: Japan, historical
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
6
noun
Meaning 6
mainly nocturnal North American goatsucker
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: bullbat, mosquito hawk
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: goatsucker, nightjar, caprimulgid
7
noun
Meaning 7
a person who likes to be active late at night
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: night owl, nightbird
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: individualist
History
Etymology
From night + hawk.
Across languages
Translations
21 source translations are retained for this English entry.