nighttime

noun

night·​time ˈnīt-ˌtīm 

often attributive

: the time from dusk to dawn

Synonyms of nighttime

• night

Examples of nighttime in a Sentence

The animal hunts in the nighttime.

before electricity, gas lamps were used for illumination during the nighttime

Recent Examples on the Web

Being able to do my nighttime skincare routine with HiFinch products. — Anna Tingley, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026

Those who visit annually or several times during the year are deeply passionate about the live shows, character meet-and-greets, holiday food specials, seasonal festivals and parades and nighttime spectaculars that these parks provide. — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026

Moisturizing before bed matters because skin hydration naturally drops in the evening, and the right nighttime moisturizer can also soothe irritation from actives like retinoids. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Disneyland will invite longtime fans to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane next year with a fireworks show, parade and nighttime spectacular that entertained visitors over the past two decades. — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 16 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nighttime

• airtime
• bedtime
• daytime
• downtime
• enzyme
• halftime
• lifetime
• longtime
• lunchtime
• mealtime
• meantime
• noontime

Kids Definition

nighttime

noun

night·​time ˈnīt-ˌtīm 

: the time from dusk to dawn

nighttime adjective

Legal Definition

nighttime

noun

night·​time

1

: the time from dusk to dawn

2

: a statutorily set period usually beginning shortly after dusk and ending shortly after dawn