NYT Dictionary

WHIPPOORWILL

/ˈʍɪp.ɚˌwɪl/
NounWHIP-poor-willwhip-poor-will · 3 syllablesGrade 7

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2019, 2020, 2022

Meaning

A nocturnal insectivorous bird of North America (Antrostomus vociferus, syn. Caprimulgus vociferus), a type of nightjar, named after its characteristic call.

Etymology

Origin: Unknown

Imitative of its note.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

magpie

NYT Puzzle Appearances

No published puzzle dates on file for this word yet. It is part of the official NYT Spelling Bee word list for 2019, 2020, 2022.

Join the Spelling Bee Community

Get solving strategies, rare word lists, and puzzle tips in your inbox every week.