Nighttime Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🌙

Add to dictionary

nighttime

[ˈnaɪtˌtaɪm ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

during the night

The period of darkness between sunset and sunrise; the time of night.

Synonyms

darkness, evening, night.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
nighttime	Typically used to refer to the general period of time from sunset to sunrise. Often used in contexts where activities or conditions during the night are implied. Many animals are active during the nighttime. Nighttime temperatures can be quite cold.
night	Refers to the period of time from sunset to sunrise. Often used to talk about specific events, activities, or conditions that happen during this time. He couldn't sleep at night because of the noise. They went out for a late-night snack.
darkness	Refers to the absence or low levels of light, often associated with night but can also apply to any situation with little or no light. Can have a negative or ominous connotation. The darkness outside made it hard to see the road. They sat in complete darkness during the power outage.
evening	Describes the time period between the late afternoon and night, usually from around 5 PM to sunset. Often used in social contexts or to describe relaxing or winding down activities. We had a lovely evening out with friends. She likes to take a walk in the evening.

Examples of usage

I love taking a walk in the park during the nighttime.
The city looks magical during the nighttime.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

night considered as a time for sleep

The time for sleeping; the period of darkness after sunset; the time when people typically rest.

Synonyms

bedtime, rest, sleep.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
nighttime	Same as the first entry - used to describe the period of time during the night. Owls are active during the nighttime. He enjoys the quiet of nighttime when he can think clearly.
bedtime	Used to refer to the time when someone goes to bed or should go to bed. It's almost bedtime, so make sure to brush your teeth. The children have a strict bedtime at 8 PM.
sleep	Used to describe the act of sleeping. Quality sleep is essential for good health. I had a restful sleep last night.
rest	Used to describe a period of relaxation or sleep, often to recover energy. After a long day at work, he needed some rest. It's important to take a rest after exercising.

Examples of usage

I always sleep better during the nighttime.
The baby finally fell asleep after crying for hours during the nighttime.

^{Context #3 | Adjective}

relating to the night

Of or occurring in the night; night-time.

Synonyms

nightly, nocturnal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
nighttime	Used to refer to the period of time between evening and morning when it is dark. They could hear the birds chirping in the nighttime. Musicians often perform live shows during the nighttime.
nocturnal	Describes animals or activities that take place during the night, often in a biological or scientific context. Owls are nocturnal birds. His nocturnal habits include studying late into the night.
nightly	Typically denotes events or routines that happen every night. She has a nightly skincare routine. The news program is broadcast nightly at 7 PM.

Word

Description / Examples

nighttime

Used to refer to the period of time between evening and morning when it is dark.

They could hear the birds chirping in the nighttime.
Musicians often perform live shows during the nighttime.

nocturnal

Describes animals or activities that take place during the night, often in a biological or scientific context.

Owls are nocturnal birds.
His nocturnal habits include studying late into the night.

nightly

Typically denotes events or routines that happen every night.

She has a nightly skincare routine.
The news program is broadcast nightly at 7 PM.

Examples of usage

The nighttime sky was filled with stars.
He preferred working during the nighttime hours.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

Many cultures celebrate nighttime with festivals, like Diwali, where lights brighten the dark.
In literature, nighttime often symbolizes mystery and adventure, as seen in tales like 'The Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern.

Science

At nighttime, many animals, known as nocturnal creatures, come out to hunt or forage, including owls and raccoons.
Human bodies follow a natural cycle known as circadian rhythms, which regulate sleep patterns, often prompting sleepiness at night.

Art and Music

Nighttime has inspired countless artists and musicians; Van Gogh's 'Starry Night' is a famous painting expressing the beauty of the night sky.
Genres like jazz and blues often evoke the feelings and experiences associated with nighttime, capturing its emotional depth.

Folklore and Mythology

In various mythologies, nighttime is often associated with gods or goddesses of the moon, like Selene in Greek mythology.
Folktales often feature nighttime as a time when magic occurs, such as in fairy tales where wishes are granted under the moonlight.

Psychology

Many people report feeling more creative or introspective at night, often due to reduced distractions and a calming atmosphere.
Nighttime can also trigger feelings of anxiety or fear, a phenomenon often depicted in horror movies and literature.

Origin of 'nighttime'

The word 'nighttime' is a compound word formed by combining 'night' and 'time'. The usage of 'nighttime' dates back to the late 19th century, and it has been commonly used in English to refer to the period of darkness between sunset and sunrise. The concept of nighttime has always been associated with rest, sleep, and the mysterious beauty of the night sky. As society evolved, the word 'nighttime' has become a regular part of our vocabulary, symbolizing the transition from day to night and the activities associated with the nocturnal hours.