Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

night shift

noun

Definition of night shift

1 : a period of time during the night (such as from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.) in which a person is scheduled to work
  • He works the night shift and sleeps during the day.
2 : a group of people who work during the night shift
  • The night shift is starting to arrive.

Word by Word Definitions

night play

  1. : the time from dusk to dawn when no sunlight is visible

  2. : an evening or night taken as an occasion or point of time

  3. : an evening set aside for a particular purpose

  1. : of, relating to, or associated with the night

  2. : intended for use at night

  3. : existing, occurring, or functioning at night

See the full definition of night
shift play

  1. : to exchange for or replace by another : change

  2. : to change the place, position, or direction of : move

  3. : to make a change in (place)

  1. : a means or device for effecting an end

  2. : a deceitful or underhand scheme : dodge

  3. : an effort or expedient exerted or tried in difficult circumstances : extremity

See the full definition of shift

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up night shift? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games