Definition of nighthawknext
as in night owl
a person who is active late at night an all-night diner that is patronized by nighthawks from every segment of society

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of nighthawk Nearby, Rodriguez is mimicking the call of a nighthawk. Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Mar. 2026 Somewhere in the desert, nighthawks are rising from reefs of blood-red clouds. Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025 Whip-poor-wills and nighthawks, for example, feed on moths and other flying insects at night, foraging when there is less competition with other species. The New York Times Elaine Chen Emily Anthes, New York Times, 18 May 2023 The opening act begins at dusk with the male making what is typically described as a series of distinct nasal peeent sounds (to me the call is more a raspy bzeeent, similar to the nighthawk’s), spaced five or six seconds apart. Tom Fegely, Field & Stream, 13 Apr. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nighthawk
night owl
Noun
  • Three of the five subtypes were different flavors of night owls, and two were early birds—each with a grab bag of different properties.
    Kate Graham-Shaw, Scientific American, 9 July 2026
  • Daily habits like getting morning sunlight and following a consistent sleep schedule can help night owls feel more alert.
    Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Nighthawk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nighthawk. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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