Word
nightfall
Phoneticsnight·fall, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈnaɪtˌfɔɫ/
UK/nˈaɪtfɔːl/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the time of day when it starts to get dark and night begins.
n. the onset of darkness at the end of the day; the transition from twilight to night.
Examples
“We should try to reach the camp before nightfall.”
“The hikers quickened their pace as nightfall approached, hoping to find the trail marker before the light faded completely.”
“The ancient city gates were traditionally locked at nightfall to protect the inhabitants from nocturnal threats, a practice that continued well into the nineteenth century.”
Examples
simple
“We should try to reach the camp before nightfall.”
contextual
“The hikers quickened their pace as nightfall approached, hoping to find the trail marker before the light faded completely.”
complex
“The ancient city gates were traditionally locked at nightfall to protect the inhabitants from nocturnal threats, a practice that continued well into the nineteenth century.”
Usage
Often follows the preposition 'at' or 'before'.
Real-World Examples
“For some people, the total amount of caffeine consumed during the day and whether the body has enough time to metabolize it before nightfall may also be important," Prof.” “The birds stop singing because they think it’s nightfall.” Etymology
From night + fall. Cf. dewfall.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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