nightcap

noun

night·​cap ˈnīt-ˌkap 

1

: a cloth cap worn with nightclothes

2

: a usually alcoholic drink taken at the end of the day

3

: the final race or contest of a day's sports

especially : the second game of a baseball doubleheader

Examples of nightcap in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Playing in a nightcap second-round game, KU fell 55-48 to the Buffs in Kansas City. —Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2026

Featuring themed drinks and decor, Annabel Lee’s is the perfect spot for a nightcap in the candlelight. —Gaby Iori march 3, Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026

Those up for a nightcap have Eight Cigar Lounge, where event partner Cohiba will host a Cut and Light session while non-smokers can imbibe in an array of fine spirits complemented by an atmosphere redolent with pregame camaraderie. —Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2026

For generations, the Peso has remained familiar, whether for an afternoon beer and a round of pool, a rowdy nightcap, a rite-of-passage drink after turning 21 or the annual Thanksgiving Eve reunion revelry. —Leanne Battelle, Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for nightcap

• bandgap
• bitmap
• blackcap
• blackstrap
• bootstrap
• burlap
• claptrap
• entrap
• foolscap
• kidnap
• kneecap
• madcap

Kids Definition

nightcap

noun

night·​cap ˈnīt-ˌkap 

1

: a cap worn with nightclothes

2

: a drink taken at bedtime

3

: the final race or contest of a day's sports activities