# nighttime

/ˈnaɪtˌtaɪm/ (US) · /nˈaɪttaɪm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nighttime
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. the period of darkness

noun · CEFR A2

the time when it is dark outside, after the evening and before the morning.

For teachers: the period of darkness between the end of evening and the beginning of dawn.

- The city looks very different at nighttime when all the lights are on.
- During the winter months, nighttime lasts significantly longer, affecting the local wildlife's hunting patterns and energy conservation.

### 2. happening at night

adjective · CEFR B1

happening or used during the night.

For teachers: occurring, active, or used during the night; typically used in an attributive position before a noun.

- He enjoys taking nighttime walks through the quiet park.
- The hospital increased its nighttime staff to ensure that emergency admissions were handled with the same efficiency as daytime cases.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun it describes.

## Examples

- The city looks beautiful at nighttime.
- Many animals that stay hidden during the day become active during nighttime to hunt for food.
- The photographer specialized in capturing the eerie stillness of the industrial district during nighttime, using long exposures to draw light from the shadows.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.