hawk moth

noun

1. any of numerous moths of the family Sphingidae, noted for their very swift flight and ability to hover while sipping nectar from flowers.

hawk moth

noun

1. 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 calledsphinx mothhummingbird moth See also death's-head moth

Word History and Origins

Origin of hawk moth¹

First recorded in 1775–85