Synonyms of nightfallnext
: the close of the day : dusk

Examples of nightfall in a Sentence

When nightfall came, we were still waiting for the electricity to come back on. since you aren't taking a flashlight, make sure you're back at camp by nightfall
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.
The Perseid meteor shower reaches its annual peak, meaning that observers under clear skies who stick it out into nightfall will be able to see yet another beautiful spectacle. Claire Cameron & Lee Billings, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2026 It was named the Indian Creek Fire and a large smoke plume could be seen before nightfall on Tuesday. Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026 After pulling into their campsite well after nightfall, the couple climbed into bed, wondering what and who surrounded them. Sarah Silbiger, CNN Money, 25 July 2026 Any wet leaves also have time to dry before nightfall, reducing the chance of fungal diseases. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for nightfall

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nightfall was in 1700

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nightfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nightfall. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

nightfall

noun
: the coming of night : dusk

More from Merriam-Webster on nightfall

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster