nightshade

noun

night·shade ˈnīt-ˌshād

: any of a genus (Solanum of the family Solanaceae, the nightshade family) of herbs, shrubs, and trees having alternate leaves, cymose flowers, and fruits that are berries and including some poisonous weeds, various ornamentals, and important crop plants (such as the potato and eggplant)

: belladonna sense 1

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web In addition to being paleo-friendly, this chicken soup is suitable for a Whole30 diet, as well as being keto-friendly, nut-free and nightshade-free. —

Becky Krystal, Washington Post, 4 Feb. 2023 Ashwagandha, formally known as Withania somnifera, is a perennial herb belonging to the nightshade family. —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 22 Dec. 2022 The fake Tyler transforms into Weems, but before the principal can do more, she is stabbed with nightshade poison and dies right in front of Wednesday's eyes. —

Aimée Lutkin, ELLE, 24 Nov. 2022 Sure, plenty of celebrities who claim to follow an anti-inflammatory diet avoid foods like nightshade vegetables. —

Maria Masters, Men's Health, 30 Sep. 2022 Tomatoes, members of the nightshade family, contain a toxin called solanine, which exists in higher concentrations in unripe tomatoes, as well as the stems and leaves. —

Jacob Livesay, USA TODAY, 3 Aug. 2022 Despite being a fruit, the tomato plant is part of the nightshade family of vegetables, says the AKC. —

Evan Hecht, USA TODAY, 17 July 2022 Jimsonweed, a Mexican nightshade, blooms wide along the sandy shoulder of the highway. —

Claire Vaye Watkins, Outside Online, 15 May 2017 For example, this chicken soup is suitable for Whole30 as well as being Keto-friendly, nut-free and nightshade-free. —

Washington Post, 1 Feb. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nightshade.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of nightshade was before the 12th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Nightshade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nightshade. Accessed 30 Mar. 2023.

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Kids Definition

nightshade

noun

night·shade ˈnīt-ˌshād

: any of a family of herbs, shrubs, and trees having clusters of usually white, yellow, or purple flowers, and fruits that are berries and including many poisonous forms (as belladonna) and important food plants (as the potato, tomato, and eggplant)

Medical Definition

nightshade

noun

night·shade ˈnīt-ˌshād

: any plant of the genus Solanum (family Solanaceae, the nightshade family) which includes some poisonous weeds, various ornamental garden plants, and important crop plants (as the potato and eggplant)