bedtime story

noun

Synonyms of bedtime storynext
: a story read or recounted to someone (such as a child) at bedtime

Examples of bedtime story 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.
Siblings Guinevere and Ennis came of age in their mother Edith Sharpe’s popular Ninth City fantasy series, their fictional adventures other kids’ bedtime stories. Literary Hub, 2 Jan. 2026 Active duty soldiers can record themselves reading bedtime stories and other children’s books. Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Dec. 2025 What once struggled at the box office became a generational heirloom, passed down like a favorite bedtime story, reminding us that sincerity is not something to outgrow. Clayton Davis, Variety, 15 Dec. 2025 Mommy has to read the bedtime story. Melissa Willets, Parents, 7 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bedtime story

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bedtime story was in 1863

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bedtime story.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bedtime%20story. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on bedtime story

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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