nightfall

noun

night·​fall ˈnīt-ˌfȯl How to pronounce nightfall (audio)
Synonyms of nightfallnext
: the close of the day : dusk

Synonyms of nightfall

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Examples of nightfall in a Sentence

When nightfall came, we were still waiting for the electricity to come back on. since you aren't taking a flashlight, make sure you're back at camp by nightfall
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.
That will give leaves time to dry off before nightfall. — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026 Prevent snails and slugs by watering your plants in the morning so the soil dries before nightfall. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 24 June 2026 Crews stayed on scene until nightfall to monitor and extinguish hot spots. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2026 The long, studious shadows at nightfall were too much for a slightly glossy city boy to appreciate. — Literary Hub, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for nightfall

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nightfall was in 1700

Rhymes for nightfall

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Browse Nearby Words

nightery
nightfall
night fighter
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

nightfall

noun
night·​fall -ˌfȯl How to pronounce nightfall (audio)
: the coming of night : dusk

More from Merriam-Webster on nightfall

Nglish: Translation of nightfall for Spanish Speakers

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