hawk moth

noun

any of numerous moths of the family Sphingidae, noted for their very swift flight and ability to hover while sipping nectar from flowers.
Also called sphingid, sphinx moth, hummingbird moth.

Origin of hawk moth

First recorded in 1775–85

Words nearby hawk moth

hawes water, hawfinch, hawg, hawick, hawk, hawk moth, hawk owl, hawk's beard, hawk's-beard, hawk's-eye, hawk-eye

Example sentences from the Web for hawk moth

British Dictionary definitions for hawk moth

hawk moth

noun

any of various moths of the family Sphingidae, having long narrow wings and powerful flight, with the ability to hover over flowers when feeding from the nectar Also called: sphinx moth, hummingbird moth See also death's-head moth