Dictionary

nightingale

noun night·in·gale \ˈnī-tən-ˌgāl, -tiŋ-\

: a small brown European bird that sings a beautiful song especially at night

Full Definition of NIGHTINGALE

:  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
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Illustration of NIGHTINGALE

Origin of NIGHTINGALE

Middle English, alteration of Old English nihtegale, from niht + galan to sing — more at yell
First Known Use: 13th century

Nightingale

biographical name Night·in·gale \ˈnī-tən-ˌgāl, -tiŋ-\

Definition of NIGHTINGALE

Florence 1820–1910 Eng. nurse & philanthropist
NIGHTINGALE Defined for Kids

nightingale

noun night·in·gale \ˈnī-tən-ˌgāl\

Definition of NIGHTINGALE for Kids

:  a reddish brown European bird noted for the sweet song of the male usually heard at night
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