# nightjar

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈnaɪtd͡ʒɑː/ · frequency rank #92,923

## Definitions
1. Any of various medium-sized nocturnal birds, of the family Caprimulgidae from the order Caprimulgiformes, that feed predominantly on moths and other large flying insects.

## Etymology
From night + jar (“a discordant sound”), due to the bird's harsh call.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/nightjar