midnight

noun

mid·​night ˈmid-ˌnīt How to pronounce midnight (audio)
Synonyms of midnightnext
1
: the middle of the night
specifically : 12 o'clock at night
2
: deep or extended darkness or gloom
midnight adjective
midnightly adverb or adjective

Examples of midnight in a Sentence

Her parents wanted her home before midnight. It was 12 midnight when we arrived home.
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 mayor said that at least 15 Ukrainian drones were shot down en route to the capital since midnight on Sunday. — David Brennan, ABC News, 6 July 2026 The trade was agreed to shortly before midnight on June 22 prior to being formalized on Monday. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026 The incident occurred sometime after midnight, according to the release. — Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 6 July 2026 Rain chances, between 30% and 60%, are expected to return overnight Wednesday, mainly after midnight. — Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for midnight

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of midnight was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing midnight

Rhymes for midnight

See All Rhymes for midnight

Browse Nearby Words

Midn
midnight
midnight appointment
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Midnight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/midnight. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

midnight

noun
mid·​night ˈmid-ˌnīt How to pronounce midnight (audio)
: 12 o'clock at night
midnight adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on midnight

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for midnight

Nglish: Translation of midnight for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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