graveyard shift

noun

: a work shift beginning late at night (such as 11 o'clock)
also : the workers on such a shift

Examples of graveyard shift in a Sentence

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.
Yet his decision to fund his training via a graveyard shift packing boxes into the back of UPS delivery trucks is rooted in a reality that is common throughout his sport. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 5 Aug. 2025 Of Furber’s 3,000 food and drink staff, which includes 300 chefs, between 80 and 90 staff work the graveyard shift. The Athletic Tennis Staff, New York Times, 11 July 2025 Soon, the duo may take on a graveyard shift, working until 2 or 4 a.m. to monitor USPS facilities. Emilie Takahashi, Oc Register, 11 July 2025 That’s more action before most people finish their second cup of coffee than many stores see during their entire graveyard shift. Elie Y. Katz, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for graveyard shift

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of graveyard shift was in 1908

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Cite this Entry

“Graveyard shift.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/graveyard%20shift. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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