nightfall

noun

night·​fall ˈnīt-ˌfȯl How to pronounce nightfall (audio)
: the close of the day : dusk

Examples of nightfall in a Sentence

When nightfall came, we were still waiting for the electricity to come back on. since you aren't taking a flashlight, make sure you're back at camp by nightfall
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.
Waves were crashing onto the esplanade in Puerto Escondido by nightfall, swamping wooden fishing boats that had been pulled up there for safety. Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 19 June 2025 If the weather is going to be hot and dry, set the system to water deeply in the early morning so the foliage has time to dry before nightfall. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 18 June 2025 The body naturally produces this sleep-inducing hormone in response to nightfall. Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 18 June 2025 Divers scoured the water and deployed sonar scanners to search for Daniel until nightfall. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for nightfall

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nightfall was in 1700

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nightfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nightfall. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

nightfall

noun
night·​fall -ˌfȯl How to pronounce nightfall (audio)
: the coming of night : dusk

More from Merriam-Webster on nightfall

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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