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Definition of nightingale

nightingale

/ˈnaɪ.tɪŋ.ɡeɪl/
nigh · tin · gale
Plural:nightingales
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nightingale Lexical Profile

nightingale Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A small, migratory passerine bird (Luscinia megarhynchos) of the Old World flycatcher family (Muscicapidae), native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, renowned for its powerful, complex, and melodious song, frequently heard at night.

Example

"We sat quietly in the moonlit garden, listening to the nightingale sing its beautiful evening melody from the thicket."

2

A person, typically a woman, possessing an unusually beautiful, sweet, or captivating singing voice.

Example

"The young soprano was quickly hailed by critics as the new nightingale of the opera house."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for nightingale

• Nearby Words

night snake
nightgown
nighthawk
nightingale
nightjar
nightlight
nightscape

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'nihtegale', derived from 'niht' (night) and 'galan' (to sing). The modern spelling acquired an epenthetic 'n' during the Middle English period.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Nightingale. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 13, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/nightingale
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