1
: the time from dusk to dawn when no sunlight is visible
The store is open all night.
2
a
: an evening or night taken as an occasion or point of time
the opening night
b
: an evening set aside for a particular purpose
Thursdays is game night in our house.
3
a
: the quality or state of being dark
approached the enemy's camp under cover of night
b
: a condition or period felt to resemble the darkness of night: such as
(1)
: a period of dreary inactivity or affliction
the glories of Roman civilization were lost in a gloomy night of ignorance, superstition, and barbarism—R. A. Hall
(2)
: absence of moral values
… that night which has for many centuries obscured our holy religion …—Joseph Priestley
c
: the beginning of darkness : nightfall
worked in the fields until night
1
: of, relating to, or associated with the night
night air
2
: intended for use at night
a night lamp
3
a
: existing, occurring, or functioning at night
night baseball
a night nurse
b
: active or functioning best at night
night people
Cite this Entry
“Night.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/night. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
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