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nightingale

Browse the Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

nightingale

Main Entry:: night·in·gale
Pronunciation:: \ˈnī-t^ən-ˌgāl, -tiŋ-\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle English, alteration of Old English nihtegale, from niht + galan to sing — more at yell
Date:: 13th century

: an Old World thrush (Luscinia megarhynchos syn. 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

[nightingale illustration]

Learn more about "nightingale" and related topics at Britannica.com

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