Definition

The time of night when the clock shows twelve o'clock, marking the middle of the night.

Example

The party ended at midnight, and everyone went home.

Conversation

What do you usually do around midnight?

I like to watch movies or read a book.

Sounds relaxing! I tend to stay up late thinking about things at midnight.

Yeah, the quiet of the night really gives you time to reflect.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Midnight is formed from "mid-" (meaning middle) and "night" (from Old English "niht", meaning the period of darkness). The word "midnight" refers to the middle of the night, specifically the time when one day ends and another begins.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'middle' ('mid-') of the 'night' — that's why midnight is the time that falls in between the end of one day and the start of another.

Visually Confused Words