Midnight Meaning and Definition
Midnight
Pronunciation
/ˈmɪdnaɪt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A period of time between 12 o’clock at night and 3 o’clock in the morning, typically associated with darkness, quiet, and solitude.
Etymology
The word “Midnight” originates from the Old English “middentīd”, derived from “mid” (middle) and “nīht” (night).
Usage Notes
Midnight can be used to describe a specific time of day, as well as an atmosphere or feeling of quiet and introspection.
Cultural References
In popular culture, midnight has been referenced in songs, such as Billy Joel’s “Midnight Oil” and the Cure’s “Midnight”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Midnight oil: working late into the night
- Strike midnight: to strike or begin something at 12 o’clock
Related Words or Phrases
- Night
- Afternoon
Collocations
- Midnight mass
- Midnight snack
Frequency of Use
Midnight is a relatively common time of day, and the term is often used in everyday language to describe a specific time or atmosphere.
Common Misspellings
- Madiight
- Midnightly