Night
/naɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe time from sunset to sunrise when there is darkness.
/naɪt/
The period of darkness between sunset and sunrise.
The moon shines brightly at night.
💡 Simply: Night is when the sun goes down, and it's dark outside. It's a good time to sleep or look at the stars. Like, when it's night, you can't see the playground as well.
👶 For kids: Night is when it's dark and we go to sleep!
More Examples
I prefer to read books at night.
The city is beautiful at night.
How It's Used
"We often stay up late at night."
"The stars shone brightly in the night sky."
A specific occasion or event that takes place during the evening or night.
/naɪt/
A specific period or event happening during the night.
It was a memorable night at the concert.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, 'night' means a special evening or event. Like, "We had a fun night out at the movies!"
👶 For kids: Night can also mean a fun thing we do when it's dark, like a party!
More Examples
They spent the night at a hotel.
We had a lovely night together.
How It's Used
"It was a magical night, filled with laughter and dancing."
"We had a great night at the party."
Idioms & expressions
Good night
A polite phrase used to say goodbye or good night when leaving.
"He waved and said, "Good night!""
Night and day
Constantly; all the time; without stop or rest.
"I worried about him night and day."
The witching hour
A specific hour, often midnight, associated with supernatural events.
"The spooky noise made me think it was the witching hour."
From Old English *niht*, *neaht*, from Proto-Germanic *nahts*. Related to Latin *nox* and Greek *nuks*. Tracing back to Proto-Indo-European *nekʷt-*. The word has been in continuous use for centuries and has undergone relatively little change in form.
The word 'night' has appeared in literature since the earliest recorded texts. Its usage has consistently referred to the period of darkness and is fundamental to storytelling.
Memory tip
Think of the darkness when you sleep or the stars that come out.
Word Origin
"darkness"