How to pronounce nighthawk
Say it like NYTE-hahk. Nighthawk has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NYTE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce nighthawk. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- NYTE
- hahk
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Nighthawk pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NYTESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- hahkKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of nighthawk
American and British speakers say nighthawk in essentially the same way: /ˈnaɪthɑk/ in the US and /ˈnaɪthɔːk/ in the UK.
British respelling: NYTE-hawk.
What does nighthawk mean?
- A nightjar, especially Caprimulgus europaeus (Eurasian nightjar).
- A New World nightjar of the genus Chordeiles, especially Chordeiles minor.
- A person whose preference or custom is to remain awake and active during the night and the early morning hours.
Where does nighthawk come from?
From night + hawk.
Questions about saying nighthawk
How do you pronounce nighthawk?
Say NYTE-hahk. The American pronunciation is /ˈnaɪthɑk/. In British English it is /ˈnaɪthɔːk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in nighthawk?
Nighthawk has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NYTE). Broken into parts: NYTE · hahk.
Do Americans and Brits say nighthawk the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈnaɪthɑk/ and the British form is /ˈnaɪthɔːk/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.