1. a North American nightjar bird known for its distinctive three-note call that sounds like its name

Examples

• The whippoorwill’s call echoed through the forest at dusk.
• We heard a whippoorwill singing outside our cabin window.
• The whippoorwill is most active during twilight hours.
• Native Americans considered the whippoorwill’s call a sign of changing seasons.
• The bird’s name comes from the sound of its repetitive call.
• Whippoorwills are difficult to spot due to their excellent camouflage.