nightcap

noun

night·​cap ˈnīt-ˌkap How to pronounce nightcap (audio)
Synonyms of nightcapnext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The nightcap was even better, with Denver outlasting Michigan — two teams with 19 titles between them — in a double-overtime instant classic. Chris Branch, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026 Sunday saw the Woo Sox finish off a sweep of the week by taking both games of a series-concluding doubleheader, winning the opening game 4-2 before taking the nightcap 11-9 in 10 innings. Staff Report, Twin Cities, 6 Apr. 2026 The nightcap is set to be a barn-burner between the Wildcats and the Wolverines. Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2026 Get your popcorn, kick up your feet and get ready for what shapes up to be an epic showdown in the Final Four nightcap on Saturday night. ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nightcap

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nightcap was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nightcap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nightcap. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

nightcap

noun
night·​cap ˈnīt-ˌkap How to pronounce nightcap (audio)
1
: a cap worn with nightclothes
2
: a drink taken at bedtime
3
: the final race or contest of a day's sports activities

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