noun
Uncommon
goodnight
Goodnight (noun) means a farewell said at night, before parting or going to sleep. Example: “She gave the kids a hug and a goodnight before turning off the lights.”
noun
1
A farewell said at night, before parting or going to sleep.
"She gave the kids a hug and a goodnight before turning off the lights."
"He waved and called out a cheerful goodnight as he left the party."
"After a quick goodnight to everyone, she went up to bed."
How to use goodnight
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhat you say to someone before you or they go to sleep, or when parting ways at night.
Common pairings
say goodnight
kiss goodnight
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Word forms
- Plural
- goodnights
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She gave the kids a hug and a _____ before turning off the lights.
Etymology
Formed from "good" and "night."
Synonyms
View more →
sleep well
sweet dreams
sleep tight
Frequently asked questions
What does “goodnight” mean?
The word “goodnight” means a farewell said at night, before parting or going to sleep. In plain terms, what you say to someone before you or they go to sleep, or when parting ways at night.
How do you use “goodnight” in a sentence?
Here is “goodnight” used in a sentence: “She gave the kids a hug and a goodnight before turning off the lights.”
What part of speech is “goodnight”?
“Goodnight” is a noun.
Is “goodnight” a common word?
“Goodnight” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Is it "goodnight" or "good night"?
Both forms are used, but "good night" as two words is generally preferred in formal writing, while "goodnight" as one word is common in informal writing and as a standalone farewell. As a noun referring to the farewell itself, it is often written as one word: "goodnight."
What is the difference between "goodnight" and "good evening"?
"Good evening" is a greeting used upon arriving or meeting someone during the evening hours, while "goodnight" is a farewell said before parting ways or going to sleep. They are used at opposite points of an interaction.
When is it appropriate to say "goodnight"?
"Goodnight" is said when parting from someone at night or right before going to sleep, making it a closing farewell rather than a greeting. It signals the end of an evening's conversation or interaction.
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