| 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 or hawk moth  (hôk'môth', -mŏth')  n. Any of various thick-bodied moths of the family Sphingidae, having long narrow forewings and characteristically feeding by hovering over flowers and sucking nectar through an extended proboscis. Also called sphinx moth. |
| sphinx moth n. See hawkmoth. |
