nighttime

noun

night·​time ˈnīt-ˌtīm 

often attributive

: the time from dusk to dawn

Synonyms of nighttime

• 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

By nighttime, the food options—some with German influences—look like leftovers, despite the staff freshening up the offerings. — Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026

At nighttime, my typical routine is a double-cleanse, essence, Prismatic+, retinol, and richer cream. — Sarah Han, Allure, 6 July 2026

Genre enthusiasts will find lots to like here, from its rich saturated nighttime ambience to the moody, cine-techno score by Aeph. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 6 July 2026

From the earliest pioneering expeditions and nighttime escapes from bondage to the modern-day road trip, Americans are a people on the move – restless, ambitious and innovative. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026

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