midnight

noun

mid·​night ˈmid-ˌnīt 

1

: the middle of the night

specifically : 12 o'clock at night

2

: deep or extended darkness or gloom

midnight adjective

midnightly adverb or adjective

see also:

burn the midnight oil

Examples of midnight in a Sentence

Her parents wanted her home before midnight.

It was 12 midnight when we arrived home.

Recent Examples on the Web

Eligible voting members will have until midnight EST on December 14, 2026 to turn in ballots, with their choices of up to three nominees in each of the songwriter and performing songwriter categories. — Jem Aswad, Variety, 5 Nov. 2026

Deputies received the call shortly before midnight, sheriff’s officials said. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2026

Democrats are celebrating their victories in competitive races, as well as races not on the radar, and not a single incumbent has lost reelection as of midnight. — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026

According to outlets, including Maine broadcast station WMTW, Collins called Jackson shortly after midnight to congratulate him for his win. — Eve Batey, Vanity Fair, 4 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing midnight

• burn the midnight oil
• midnight blue
• midnight sun
• the midnight hour

Rhymes for midnight

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight

Kids Definition

midnight

noun

mid·​night ˈmid-ˌnīt 

: 12 o'clock at night

midnight adjective