daytime
DAY-tym
Daytime (noun) means the hours between sunrise and sunset, as opposed to nighttime. Example: “The store is only open during the daytime.”
noun
1
The hours between sunrise and sunset, as opposed to nighttime.
"The store is only open during the daytime."
"Bats sleep in the cave during the daytime and come out at dusk."
"In the daytime the street is busy, but at night it is quiet."
adj
1
Happening or existing during the day.
"She prefers daytime shifts to overnight ones."
"The nurse works on the daytime ward, so she is home for dinner."
"Daytime television is full of quiz shows and cooking programmes."
How to use daytime
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe part of the day when it's light out, or anything happening during those hours.
Common pairings
daytime television
during the daytime
a daytime job
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like daytime.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- daytimes
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The store is only open during the _____.
Etymology
A compound of "day" and "time," describing the daylight portion of the 24-hour cycle.
Related words
Rhymes for daytime
See all rhymes for daytime →Frequently asked questions
What does “daytime” mean?
The word “daytime” means the hours between sunrise and sunset, as opposed to nighttime. In plain terms, the part of the day when it's light out, or anything happening during those hours.
How do you pronounce “daytime”?
“Daytime” is pronounced DAY-tym (/ˈdeɪtaɪm/ in IPA).
How do you use “daytime” in a sentence?
Here is “daytime” used in a sentence: “The store is only open during the daytime.”
What is the opposite of “daytime”?
The opposite of “daytime” — its antonyms — are night, nighttime and evening.
What part of speech is “daytime”?
Depending on how it is used, “daytime” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “daytime” a common word?
“Daytime” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “daytime” have?
“Daytime” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the hours between sunrise and sunset, as opposed to nighttime.
What is the difference between "daytime" and "daylight"?
"Daytime" refers to the hours between sunrise and sunset as a period of time, as opposed to "nighttime." "Daylight" refers more specifically to the natural light produced by the sun during those hours, so daytime is about the time period while daylight is about the light itself.
Can "daytime" be used as an adjective?
Yes, "daytime" functions as an adjective in phrases such as "daytime television" or "daytime hours," describing something that happens or exists during the day. In this use it modifies a noun directly, unlike its noun use referring to the period itself.
Is "daytime" written as one word or two?
"Daytime" is standardly written as a single word in modern English, not as "day time." This single-word form applies whether it is used as a noun or as an adjective.
