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

For a nightcap, have a Negroni (€15) at the moody bar attached to the nearby Palma Riad hotel. —Emilio Parra Doiztua, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025

In the evening, he was summoned for a nightcap with Charles and was offered a very good malt whiskey — a glass of Laphroaig. —Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025

These contemporary seats look comfortable enough to support winding conversation well after dessert and nightcaps have been served. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025

Naturally, Betty Jo invites Lee back to hers for a nightcap. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2025

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