nighttime

noun

night·​time ˈnīt-ˌtīm How to pronounce nighttime (audio)
Synonyms of nighttimenext
often attributive
: the time from dusk to dawn

Synonyms of nighttime

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Examples of nighttime in a Sentence

The animal hunts in the nighttime. before electricity, gas lamps were used for illumination during the nighttime
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.
Lights that shine on dark pathways are needed to enjoy summertime well into the nighttime. — Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 27 June 2026 Instead of treating nighttime care as something that happens between the bedroom and the kitchen, many families are building smaller, calmer care zones near the crib or bassinet. — Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 18 June 2026 Reading Clamp Light with Magnifier Every nighttime reader needs a good reading light. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 June 2026 But even without them, solar is still cheaper and faster to build than any alternative, and when coupled with ever-cheaper batteries is increasingly unencumbered by clouds and nighttime. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for nighttime

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nighttime was in the 14th century

Rhymes for nighttime

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Browse Nearby Words

nighttide
nighttime
night vision
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

nighttime

noun
night·​time ˈnīt-ˌtīm How to pronounce nighttime (audio)
: the time from dusk to dawn
nighttime adjective

Legal Definition

nighttime

noun
night·​time
1
: the time from dusk to dawn
2
: a statutorily set period usually beginning shortly after dusk and ending shortly after dawn

More from Merriam-Webster on nighttime

Nglish: Translation of nighttime for Spanish Speakers

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