nightshade

noun

night·​shade ˈnīt-ˌshād 

1

: 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)

2

: belladonna sense 1

Examples of nightshade in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Eggplant Eggplants are one of the nightshades that shouldn't be planted near potatoes. —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 27 June 2024

What are goji berries? Goji berries, or Lycium barbarum, are the fruit of a bushy shrub from the Solanaceae (nightshade) family which includes peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, and potatoes. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 5 July 2024

Vegetables in the garden almost cook themselves and members of the nightshade family shut down when temperatures reach the low 90s, which now happens earlier in the year compared with a decade ago. —Washington Post, 28 June 2024

Keep These Three Plants Away From Potatoes Potatoes are members of a family of vegetables called nightshades, which are rich in nutrients but also produce a toxic compound known as alkaloids. —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 27 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing nightshade

• deadly nightshade

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 

1

: 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)

2

: belladonna sense 1