\ ˈ(h)wi-pər-ˌwil 
, ˌ(h)wi-pər-ˈwil \
, ˌ(h)wi-pər-ˈwil \Definition of whip-poor-will
: a nocturnal nightjar (Caprimulgus vociferus) of chiefly eastern North America with a loud repeated call suggestive of its name
Illustration of whip-poor-will
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for whip-poor-will
whip-poor-will
nounEnglish Language Learners Definition of whip-poor-will
: a bird of eastern North America that is active at night and has a loud call which sounds like its name
See the full definition for whip-poor-will in the English Language Learners Dictionary
whippoorwill
nounwhip·poor·will | \ ˈhwi-pər-ˌwil, ˈwi- \
Kids Definition of whippoorwill
: a bird of eastern North America that is active at night and has a loud call that sounds like its name
Comments on whip-poor-will
What made you want to look up whip-poor-will? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
- What is an earlier meaning of nice?
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
Do you know these earlier meanings of words?
Take the quiz - Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quiz - Name That Thing
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question ...
Take the quiz - Word Winder's CrossWinder Play the game
Share whip-poor-will
Time Traveler for whip-poor-will
The first known use of whip-poor-will was in 1709
See more words from the same year