nocturnal

[nok-tur-nl]

adjective

1. of or relating to the night (diurnal ).

2. done, occurring, or coming at night.

   nocturnal visit.

   Synonyms: nighttime

3. active at night (diurnal ).

   nocturnal animals.

4. opening by night and closing by day, as certain flowers (diurnal ).

noun

1. Archaic.,  an astrolabe for telling time at night or for determining latitude by the position of certain stars in reference to Polaris.

nocturnal

/ nɒkˈtɜːnəl /

adjective

1. of, used during, occurring in, or relating to the night

2. (of animals) active at night

3. (of plants) having flowers that open at night and close by day

nocturnal

1. Occurring at night.

2. Most active at night. Many animals, such as owls and bats, are nocturnal.

3. Having flowers that open during the night and close at daylight. Nocturnal plants are often pollinated by moths.

4. Compare diurnal

Other Word Forms

• nocturnality noun
• nocturnally adverb
• nonnocturnal adjective
• nonnocturnally adverb
• seminocturnal adjective
• unnocturnal adjective
• unnocturnally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of nocturnal¹

From the Late Latin word nocturnālis, dating back to 1475–85. See nocturn, -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of nocturnal¹

C15: from Late Latin nocturnālis, from Latin nox night

Example Sentences

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park have been designated Dark Sky Parks, possessing “exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment,” according to the organization.

From Los Angeles Times

CBS’ decision to end “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” next May raises questions about the future of the nocturnal kingdom Carson once ruled.

From Los Angeles Times

For example, these forces have prompted cougars to adapt by becoming more nocturnal, using culverts or taking riskier crossings across fragmented landscapes.

From Los Angeles Times

Under cover of darkness, a nocturnal creature emerges from a crate and takes its first tentative steps into a new life in the wild.

From BBC

The answers are left as teasingly cryptic as the shocking outcome of that nocturnal interaction.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• nightly 
• nighttime