nighttime

noun

night·​time ˈnīt-ˌtīm 

often attributive

: the time from dusk to dawn

Synonyms

• dark
• darkness
• night

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

Network prime is also a favorite landing spot, as the median age of the nighttime broadcast audience is now creeping up on 65 years. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 28 Feb. 2025

In an early monologue, Hoffman sits at the lip of the stage describing a strange nighttime reverie among the avocado trees. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 25 Feb. 2025

The return of the remains Thursday had set off a nationwide outpouring of grief as flag-waving crowds lined highways on a rainy day to pay their respects to a convoy carrying the coffins and thousands packed a Tel Aviv square in an emotional nighttime vigil. —Melanie Lidman, arkansasonline.com, 21 Feb. 2025

Developing a nighttime routine, maintaining social connections, and seeking professional help can combat nighttime unease. —Hannah Singleton, Health, 20 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nighttime

• airtime
• bedtime
• daytime
• downtime
• enzyme
• halftime
• lifetime
• longtime
• lunchtime
• mealtime
• meantime
• noontime

Kids Definition

nighttime

noun

night·​time ˈnīt-ˌtīm 

: 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