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

The resort unveils new and updated features every year—in 2026, look for Aquavia Lumina, a nighttime walk through a canyon with lights, projections, and music that immerses you in a story world. —Jess Hoffert, Midwest Living, 9 May 2026

Prospective buyers have multiple colorways to choose from here, including iterations with reflective accents that will make your nighttime walks that much safer. —Footwear News, 7 May 2026

Sororities at a prominent southern California university will now have private nighttime security after facing persistent harassment from homeless people that left some young women feeling unsafe, according to a report. —Peter D'abrosca , Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026

Consideration for the nighttime viewing environment is immediately apparent as soon as the sun dips below the horizon, when the entire property takes on a soft red glow. —Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 6 May 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