nightshade

noun

night·​shade ˈnīt-ˌshād 

1

: any of a genus (Solanum of the family Solanaceae, the nightshade family) of herbs, shrubs, and trees having alternate leaves, cymose flowers, and fruits that are berries and including some poisonous weeds, various ornamentals, and important crop plants (such as the potato and eggplant)

2

: belladonna sense 1

Examples of nightshade in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The result is a gorgeous spirit, deadly as nightshade, named Delores, who happens to be Beetlejuice’s ex-wife. —Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 5 Sep. 2024

Eggplant Eggplant, a member of the nightshade family, is a popular ingredient in many dishes and, when cooked properly, can be used as a meat substitute. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 30 July 2024

Recipes editor Becky Krystal wrote a helpful how-to guide all about the nightshade that is botanically a fruit but treated in cooking as a vegetable, answering common questions about salting, texture, cooking methods and more. —Anna Rodriguez, Washington Post, 24 July 2024

Telemachus took nepenthe, Juliet some kind of nightshade, Anna Karenina laudanum. —Martha McPhee, Vogue, 24 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing nightshade

• deadly nightshade

Kids Definition

nightshade

noun

night·​shade ˈnīt-ˌshād 

: any of a family of herbs, shrubs, and trees having clusters of usually white, yellow, or purple flowers, and fruits that are berries and including many poisonous forms (as belladonna) and important food plants (as the potato, tomato, and eggplant)

Medical Definition

nightshade

noun

night·​shade ˈnīt-ˌshād 

1

: any plant of the genus Solanum (family Solanaceae, the nightshade family) which includes some poisonous weeds, various ornamental garden plants, and important crop plants (as the potato and eggplant)

2

: belladonna sense 1