bedtime

noun

bed·​time ˈbed-ˌtīm How to pronounce bedtime (audio)
: a time for going to bed

Examples of bedtime in a Sentence

The children are still up? It's way past their bedtimes.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The kids will be able to watch the Royals before bedtime this week. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 22 June 2026 If the show will run past bedtime, give your kid a heads-up and clear the next day’s schedule when possible. — Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2026 Odenkirk and his kids wrote these poems at bedtime every night, and now, many years later, they’ve been touched up for your enjoyment. — Toby Rose, Parents, 30 June 2026 Many children with insomnia before bedtime who use melatonin will be able to fall asleep faster and increase total sleep time by about a half-hour; some do not respond. — Sally Ibrahim, The Conversation, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bedtime

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bedtime was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing bedtime

Rhymes for bedtime

See All Rhymes for bedtime

Browse Nearby Words

bed timber
bedtime
bedtime story
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bedtime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bedtime. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bedtime

noun
bed·​time ˈbed-ˌtīm How to pronounce bedtime (audio)
: time to go to bed
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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