1. A nightingale, especially as a symbol of poetic inspiration or melancholy song.
Usage: literary; archaic or poetic

Examples

• The philomel's haunting melody echoed through the garden at dusk.
• Poets have long celebrated the philomel as a muse of sorrow and beauty.
• In classical literature, the philomel represents the voice of the suffering artist.
• The nightingale, or philomel, sings most beautifully during spring nights.
• She listened for the philomel's song, hoping to find inspiration in its notes.