nighttime

noun

night·​time ˈnīt-ˌtīm How to pronounce nighttime (audio)
often attributive
: the time from dusk to dawn

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Outside of that area in the rest of the county, which is known as the general services district, firearms can’t be discharged during the nighttime. Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 21 Oct. 2025 But the real appeal here is the soaring lobby, with its mascot-like ceiling installation (Napoleon Abueva’s Sunburst) and a buzzy nighttime scene most nights of the week. Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 20 Oct. 2025 The nighttime is still a little quiet. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2025 Remember that containers still need water during this season, even though temperatures are cooler at nighttime. Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nighttime

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nighttime was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nighttime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nighttime. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

nighttime

noun
night·​time ˈnīt-ˌtīm How to pronounce nighttime (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on nighttime

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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