English Explanatory Dictionary

nightjar

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Any of various medium-sized nocturnal birds, of the family Caprimulgidae from the order Caprimulgiformes, that feed predominantly on moths and other large flying insects.

Pronunciation

/ˈnaɪtd͡ʒɑː/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-nightjar.wav /ˈnaɪtd͡ʒɑɹ/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-VCcortex-nightjar.wav

Word forms

nightjar nightjars night-jar nightchurr

Etymology

From night + jar (“a discordant sound”), due to the bird's harsh call.

Derived words

Eurasian nightjar European nightjar Indian nightjar owlet-nightjar
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