Nocturnal: meaning, definitions and examples

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nocturnal

 

[ nษ’kหˆtษœหrnl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

animal behavior

Of, relating to, or occurring in the night; active at night.

Synonyms

nighttime, noctivagant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nocturnal

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.
nighttime

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.
noctivagant

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.

Examples of usage

  • Owls are known for their nocturnal behavior, hunting for prey under the cover of darkness.
  • Many nocturnal animals have developed special adaptations such as enhanced night vision.
Context #2 | Adjective

plants

Opening or expanding at night, as certain flowers.

Synonyms

night-blooming, night-opening.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nocturnal

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 cityโ€™s nocturnal scene fascinating.
night-blooming

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.
night-opening

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.

Examples of usage

  • The nocturnal blooming of the night-blooming cereus is a beautiful sight.
  • Some nocturnal plants rely on moths for pollination during the night.

Translations

Translations of the word "nocturnal" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น noturno

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฐเคพเคค เค•เคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช nรคchtlich

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ nokturnal

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝั–ั‡ะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ nocny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅคœ่กŒๆ€งใฎ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท nocturne

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ nocturno

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท geceleyin

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์•ผํ–‰์„ฑ์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู„ูŠู„ูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ noฤnรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ noฤnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅคœ่กŒ็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ noฤni

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ nรฆtur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚าฏะฝะณั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฆแƒแƒ›แƒ˜แƒก

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ gecษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ nocturno

Etymology

The word 'nocturnal' originated from the Latin word 'nocturnalis', which is derived from 'nox' meaning 'night'. The term has been used in English since the 15th century to describe things related to or occurring in the night.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,568, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.