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Glite Dictionary
hawkmoth

hawkmoth

1 8.1
A large moth with long wings that hovers to drink flower nectar
  • noun
  • /ˈhɔkˌmɔθ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : mariposa halcón
  • Scientists studied how the hawkmoth is able to fly steadily even in windy conditions.

Examples

  • The hawkmoth is known for its impressive flying skills.

  • Many gardeners appreciate the presence of hawkmoths because they help pollinate evening flowers.

  • The hawkmoth hovered in front of the blossom, sipping nectar with its long proboscis.

  • Have you ever seen a hawkmoth in your garden?

  • As night falls, the hawkmoth hovers near the flowers, sipping nectar with its long proboscis.

  • Pollination is essential for many plants, and hawkmoths play a crucial role in this process.

  • The hawkmoth is known for its impressive flying abilities, allowing it to swiftly navigate gardens in search of food.

Synonyms

hawk moth
vshawkmoth
  • Specialized
1 6.5

A large night insect with long wings that hovers to drink flower nectar

is the same but written as one word
sphinx moth
vshawkmoth
  • US
1 8.4

A large moth that hovers like a hummingbird to feed from flowers

is the single-word common name for these moths
sphingid
vshawkmoth
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A large moth with long narrow wings that hovers to feed from flowers

is the everyday common name rather than the technical family term

Surface Forms

hawkmoth singular
hawkmoths plural

Morphology

hawkmoth = hawk + moth (transparent) = hawk + moth

A straightforward compound: 'hawk' + 'moth' denotes a type of moth with hawk-like characteristics (size/flight), which learners can infer from the components.

Etymology

Hawkmoth comes from the words hawk and moth because people thought these big moths flew like a 'hawk'. That's why the word now means a large moth with strong, fast flight that can hover while it sips nectar.