ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bedtime

n. countable
A1 Beginner US //ˈbɛdˌtaɪm// UK //bˈɛdtaɪm// bed·time

n. the time when you go to bed to sleep. It is usually a fixed time each night, especially for children.

n. the time at which a person goes to bed, typically implying a regular or prescribed schedule.


SIMPLE

My bedtime is at nine o'clock.

CONTEXTUAL

The children have a strict bedtime of eight thirty every school night.

COMPLEX

Enforcing a consistent bedtime helped regulate his circadian rhythm and improved his morning alertness.

Origin

From Middle English bedtyme, bed-tyme, bedetyme, bedde tyme, equivalent to bed + time. Compare earlier Old English bedtīd (“bedtime”). Compare also West Frisian bêdtiid (“bedtime”), Dutch bedtijd (“bedtime”), Saterland Frisian Bädegungenstied (“bedtime”, literally “bed-goings-time”), German Low German Beddgahnstied, Bettgahnstiet (“bedtime”, literally “bed-goings-time”).

Idioms1 entry

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