Main Entry: noc·tur·nal

Pronunciation: \näk-ˈtər-n^əl\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French or Late Latin; Anglo-French nocturnel, from Late Latin nocturnalis, from Latin nocturnus of night, nocturnal, from noct-, nox night

Date: 15th century

1 : of, relating to, or occurring in the night <a nocturnal journey>
2 : active at night <a nocturnal predator>

— noc·tur·nal·ly \-n^əl-ē\ adverb