Main Entry: night·in·gale

Pronunciation: \ˈnī-t^ən-ˌgāl, -tiŋ-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, alteration of Old English nihtegale, from niht + galan to sing — more at yell

Date: 13th century

: an Old World thrush (Luscinia megarhynchos syn. Erithacus megarhynchos) noted for the sweet usually nocturnal song of the male; also : any of various other birds noted for their sweet song or for singing at night

[nightingale illustration]