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Definition of poor-will in English:

poor-will

noun

(also poorwill)

  • A small nightjar found mainly in central and western North America.

    Three genera in the family Caprimulgidae: four species, in particular the common poor-will (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii), which hibernates in cold weather

Pronunciation

poor-will

/ˈpo͝orˌwil/ /ˈpʊrˌwɪl/ /ˈpôrˌwil/ /ˈpɔrˌwɪl/

Origin

Late 19th century imitative of its call.