Definition of nightingale
: an Old World thrush (Luscinia megarhynchos synonym 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
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Recent Examples of nightingale from the Web
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The rendition of the nightingale's song alone makes the film worth seeing.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nightingale'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Illustration of nightingale
Origin and Etymology of nightingale
Middle English, alteration of Old English nihtegale, from niht + galan to sing — more at yell
First Known Use: 13th century
Nightingale
playDefinition of Nightingale
Florence 1820–1910 English nurse and philanthropist
NIGHTINGALE Defined for English Language Learners
nightingale
playDefinition of nightingale for English Language Learners
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: a small brown European bird that sings a beautiful song especially at night
NIGHTINGALE Defined for Kids
nightingale
playDefinition of nightingale for Students
: a reddish brown European bird noted for the sweet song of the male usually heard at night
Learn More about nightingale
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See words that rhyme with nightingale Spanish Central: Translation of nightingale Nglish: Translation of nightingale for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of nightingale for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nightingale
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