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

Potatoes are in the same Solanaceae (nightshade) family as tomatoes, meaning both plants are susceptible to the same pests and diseases. —Felicia Feaster, Martha Stewart, 4 June 2026

How to Get Rid of These Pests There are several methods to get rid of these caterpillars from your tomato or nightshade plants. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 1 June 2026

For pollinator appeal, plant chives near tomatoes and other nightshades or grow a row of them near your melons, pumpkins, or squash. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 May 2026

Just like their nightshade cousin the tomato, potatoes need consistent moisture—at least 1 inch of water per week, to produce a good crop. —Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 23 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing nightshade

• deadly nightshade

Rhymes for nightshade

• afraid
• allayed
• arcade
• arrayed
• assayed
• barmaid
• betrayed
• blockade
• bridesmaid
• brigade
• brocade
• buffeted

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