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 analysis also revealed traces of chili peppers in the nightshade family, a common condiment or flavoring among the Maya and many other Old World cultures. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 2 May 2024

So too is belladonna, nightshade, arsenic and lead. —Anna Kaufman, The Indianapolis Star, 20 Apr. 2024

One of her friends can’t eat nightshades (a family of plants that includes eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes), her husband doesn’t like cheese, and others avoid shellfish and red meat. —Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Oct. 2023

The specks turned out to be seeds of black henbane, a potently poisonous member of the nightshade family that can be medicinal or hallucinogenic depending on the dosage. —Rachel Nuwer, New York Times, 21 Mar. 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