nightshade

noun

night·​shade ˈnīt-ˌshād 

1

: any of a genus (Solanum of the family Solanaceae, the nightshade family) of herbs, shrubs, and trees having alternate leaves, cymose flowers, and fruits that are berries and including some poisonous weeds, various ornamentals, and important crop plants (such as the potato and eggplant)

2

: belladonna sense 1

Examples of nightshade in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Asparagus When planted as companions, asparagus and nightshade crops create a symbiotic relationship that deters insect pests from both plants. —Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 3 May 2026

Just like tomatoes, eggplant is part of the nightshade family of plants. —Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 2 May 2026

Avoid plants with differing soil pH needs, like nightshades and brassicas, and beware of juglone-producing walnut trees which are toxic to blueberries. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2026

Instead, set up garden beds in pairs, plant all nightshades in one of the beds the first year. —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing nightshade

• deadly nightshade

Rhymes for nightshade

• afraid
• allayed
• arcade
• arrayed
• assayed
• barmaid
• betrayed
• blockade
• bridesmaid
• brigade
• brocade
• buffeted

Kids Definition

nightshade

noun

night·​shade ˈnīt-ˌshād 

: any of a family of herbs, shrubs, and trees having clusters of usually white, yellow, or purple flowers, and fruits that are berries and including many poisonous forms (as belladonna) and important food plants (as the potato, tomato, and eggplant)

Medical Definition

nightshade

noun

night·​shade ˈnīt-ˌshād 

1

: any plant of the genus Solanum (family Solanaceae, the nightshade family) which includes some poisonous weeds, various ornamental garden plants, and important crop plants (as the potato and eggplant)

2

: belladonna sense 1