nighthawk

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Nighthawk

Definition:
A "nighthawk" is a noun that can refer to two things:
1. A type of bird found in North America, known for being active at night. These birds are part of a group called goatsuckers.
2. A person who enjoys being active late at night, often staying up late or working during nighttime hours.

Usage Instructions:

When you use the word "nighthawk," you can refer to either the bird or a person. The context of the sentence will help clarify which meaning you are using.

Example Sentences:

1. Referring to the bird:
   "I saw a nighthawk flying over the field at dusk, catching insects in mid-air."

2. Referring to a person:
   "My brother is a real nighthawk; he usually stays up until 2 a.m. playing video games."

Advanced Usage:

In a more advanced context, you might hear "nighthawk" used in literature or poetry to symbolize someone who is mysterious or prefers solitude, much like the bird that flies at night.

Word Variants:

• Nighthawks (plural): Referring to multiple birds or multiple people who are night owls.

Different Meanings:

• In ornithology (the study of birds): Nighthawk refers specifically to the bird and not to its behavior or the symbolism associated with night activities.
• In slang: A nighthawk can be a term for someone who works night shifts or prefers doing their tasks after dark.

Synonyms:

• For the bird: Goatsucker (scientific term).
• For the person: Night owl (someone who stays up late), Night person.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "nighthawk," you might hear phrases like:
- "Burning the midnight oil": This means to stay up late working or studying. - "Night owl": Commonly used to describe someone who is active at night, similar to the meaning of nighthawk.

Conclusion:

In summary, "nighthawk" can refer to a nocturnal bird or a person who thrives at night.

Academic

Noun

1. mainly nocturnal North American goatsucker
2. a person who likes to be active late at night

Synonyms

• bullbat
• mosquito hawk
• night owl
• nightbird