Nocturnal: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is typically used in the context of animals or behaviors that happen at night. It is a scientific or general term to describe activities or habits occurring during the night.

• Owls are nocturnal animals that hunt for prey at night.
• His nocturnal habits include staying up late playing video games.

This word is more general and informal, and it can be used to describe any activities or events happening during the night. It is often used in everyday conversation.

• I prefer nighttime walks to enjoy the cool air.
• They scheduled the meeting for nighttime to accommodate everyone's busy day schedules.

This is a very rare and poetic term, used to describe a person or animal who wanders or roams at night. It is not commonly used in everyday language and might appear in literary or poetic contexts.

• The poet described the noctivagant soul as one that finds peace in the quiet of the night.
• His noctivagant tendencies led him to explore the city's streets under the moonlight.

Same as the first 'nocturnal', meaning active or occurring at night, can be used to describe both animals and activities.

• The bat is a nocturnal mammal.
• He found the city’s nocturnal scene fascinating.

Describes flowers or plants that open or bloom during the night. This term is typically used in botany or gardening contexts.

• The night-blooming jasmine fills the night air with its sweet fragrance.
• She planted night-blooming flowers to attract nocturnal insects.

Used to describe flowers or plants that open specifically in the evening or at night. It can also refer to events or establishments that start their activities in the evening.

• The night-opening flowers emit a unique scent after sunset.
• The night-opening market offers a variety of street food and entertainment.