Midnight

Definition

Midnight is a noun that refers to the middle of the night, specifically 12:00 AM, marking the transition from one day to the next. It can also serve as an adjective to describe something occurring or resembling this time.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmɪd.naɪt/
• Respelling: MID-nyt

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmɪd.naɪt/
• Respelling: MID-nyt

Etymology

The word "midnight" originates from Old English "midniht," composed of "mid," meaning "middle," and "niht," meaning "night." It has been used since before the 12th century to denote the exact middle of the night.

Derivatives

• Midnightly (adjective/adverb)
• Midnighter (noun)
• Midnighting (noun)
• After-midnight (adjective)
• Pre-midnight (adjective)

Synonyms

• 12:00 AM
• Dead of night
• Witching hour

Antonyms

• Noon
• Daytime
• None

Usage

The term "midnight" is commonly used to indicate the time at 12:00 AM or events related to that hour. For example, "She stayed awake until midnight to welcome the New Year," or "The deadline for submissions is midnight."

Related Terms

• Noon: The middle of the day, 12:00 PM.
• Night: The period of darkness between sunset and sunrise.
• Twilight: The time between sunset and night or night and sunrise.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The middle of the night, specifically 12:00 AM: Refers to the exact time dividing two days.
  • Example: "The train departs at midnight."
• The deepest or darkest part of the night: Refers to a figurative sense of the term.
  • Example: "The streets were deserted by midnight."

Adjective

• Occurring at or resembling midnight: Describes events or conditions characteristic of this time.
  • Example: "They had a midnight snack."
• Dark or deep, as in color: Refers to a shade resembling the darkness of midnight.
  • Example: "She wore a dress of midnight blue."