VocabDictionary

midnight

/ˈmɪd.naɪt/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

Twelve o'clock at night; the middle of the night.

Example Sentences:
  • The New Year was welcomed with fireworks at midnight.
  • Cinderella had to return home before the stroke of midnight.
2.adjective

Happening at or characteristic of midnight; very late at night.

Example Sentences:
  • They stopped for a midnight snack of leftover pizza.
  • The detective made a midnight phone call to headquarters.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “midnight”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Old English 'midniht', from 'mid' (middle) + 'niht' (night); akin to Old High German 'mittinâht', referring originally to the middle point of the period of darkness between sunset and sunrise.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of it simply as the 'middle' of the 'night'.

Frequently Asked Questions About “midnight

1. What is the meaning of “midnight” in English?

In English, midnight (noun) is defined as: “Twelve o'clock at night; the middle of the night.”.

2. How do you use “midnight” in a sentence?

The New Year was welcomed with fireworks at midnight.

3. What are English synonyms of “midnight”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “midnight”?

Old English 'midniht', from 'mid' (middle) + 'niht' (night); akin to Old High German 'mittinâht', referring originally to the middle point of the period of darkness between sunset and sunrise.