nighttime

noun

night·​time ˈnīt-ˌtīm 

often attributive

: the time from dusk to dawn

Synonyms of nighttime

• night

Examples of nighttime in a Sentence

The animal hunts in the nighttime.

before electricity, gas lamps were used for illumination during the nighttime

Recent Examples on the Web

The curious case of the Flynn’s two pet dogs in the nighttime also provided key evidence, much like in the famed Sherlock Holmes story. — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026

There will be 10% cloud coverage in the morning and 34% at nighttime in Fresno, according to Accuweather. — Alexiah Syrai Olsen, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Since the harvest moon will reach peak illumination after the sun rises, its radiance will appear more diminished than during the nighttime. — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 25 Sep. 2026

Unlike the summer and winter solstices, the equinoxes do not mark longer nights or days, but instead give us days that are equal daytime and nighttime. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nighttime

• airtime
• bedtime
• daytime
• downtime
• enzyme
• halftime
• lifetime
• longtime
• lunchtime
• mealtime
• meantime
• noontime

Kids Definition

nighttime

noun

night·​time ˈnīt-ˌtīm 

: the time from dusk to dawn

nighttime adjective

Legal Definition

nighttime

noun

night·​time

1

: the time from dusk to dawn

2

: a statutorily set period usually beginning shortly after dusk and ending shortly after dawn