sphinx moth

American  

noun

1. hawk moth.

---

sphinx moth British  

noun

1. another name for the hawk moth

---

Etymology

Origin of sphinx moth

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

“Unless this is a sphinx moth caterpillar who has been stressed and agitated into displaying its osmeterium,” says Jackson.

From National Geographic • Dec. 28, 2017

But I doubt you’ve heard of any World Wildlife Fund campaigns to protect the fabulous green sphinx moth, right?

From New York Times • Oct. 21, 2017

He pointed at a black-and-green caterpillar, which before long would become a sphinx moth.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2017

Yet the adult, the Carolina sphinx moth, is the plant's preferred pollinator.

From Nature • Feb. 28, 2017

Oh!" said I, "you mean that big sphinx moth that is commonly known as the 'death's-head moth.'

From Famous Modern Ghost Stories by Chambers, Robert W. (Robert William)