whippoorwill

Definition

A nocturnal insectivorous bird of North America (Antrostomus vociferus, syn. Caprimulgus vociferus), a type of nightjar, named after its characteristic call.

Etymology

Imitative of its note.

Example Sentences

• "“Seems like I heard a whippoorwill callinʼ, and I thought to myself, Go on away from here, weʼll whip ole Will when we find him.”"
• "The bird sang his whippoorwills all night."
• "From across the road a bird sang 'Whippoorwill, whippoorwill!'"

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