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. See death's-head moth
   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

Example Sentences

He would feed in plain sight in the sunshine if he wanted to, and he was forever telling what a fine Hawk Moth he expected to be.

From Project Gutenberg

Huber also observed that a wall built in 1804 against the death's-head hawk-moth was destroyed in 1805.

From Project Gutenberg

The Privet Hawk Moth, for example, is very easily bred, and a very beautiful creature it is when in full plumage.

From Project Gutenberg

Sat′ellite-sphinx, a large hawk-moth; Sat′ellite-vein, a vein accompanying an artery; Satelli′tium, an escort.

From Project Gutenberg

Radiant, she bent eagerly above the jar where the strange, slender, gray-and-brown hawk-moth lay dying.

From Project Gutenberg