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

Analyzing more than 30 tomato samples, the researchers observed that the western Solanum pennellii had a molecular fingerprint similar to that of an eggplant, another member of the nightshade family of plants that share a common ancestor. —Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025

Quarterbacking this 3-point spread of recipes is a favorite member of the nightshade family that’s harvested in late summer and early fall — spicy chile peppers. —Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 18 Sep. 2025

Calcium-rich eggshells can be added to gardens and houseplant soil to prevent issues like blossom end rot and support plants with higher-than-average calcium needs, such as most nightshades, brassicas, and peperomia. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2025

Wait 1 to 2 years before planting tomatoes or other vegetables in the nightshade family in the same growing site. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing nightshade

• deadly nightshade

Rhymes for nightshade

• afraid
• allayed
• arcade
• arrayed
• assayed
• barmaid
• betrayed
• blockade
• bridesmaid
• brigade
• brocade
• buffeted

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