midnight

noun

mid·​night ˈmid-ˌnīt How to pronounce midnight (audio)
Synonyms of midnightnext
1
: the middle of the night
specifically : 12 o'clock at night
2
: deep or extended darkness or gloom
midnight adjective
midnightly adverb or adjective
see also:
burn the midnight oil

Examples of midnight in a Sentence

Her parents wanted her home before midnight. It was 12 midnight when we arrived home.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The films were in-person midnight-screening sensations too, though there’s a distinction between watching material that’s taped rather than performed live. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026 Charlotte City Council member Dimple Ajmera has asked police to provide data supporting their decision to restrict uptown food vendors from operating after midnight, questioning whether the policy is reducing violent crime. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026 Cops say Acosta shot 44-year-old MD Yousuf to death moments after midnight Sunday inside American Best Wings & Pizza on Rockaway Ave. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026 Chantel Brooks was last seen July 17 after leaving work in San Francisco shortly after midnight. — Kayla Moeller, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for midnight

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of midnight was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing midnight

Rhymes for midnight

See All Rhymes for midnight

Browse Nearby Words

Midn
midnight
midnight appointment
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Midnight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/midnight. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

midnight

noun
mid·​night ˈmid-ˌnīt How to pronounce midnight (audio)
: 12 o'clock at night
midnight adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on midnight

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for midnight

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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