Nighttime or Night time: Which Is Correct?

Updated 2026-10-12 · Which One Is Correct editorial team

Quick answer: Both forms are correct in standard English, though the single-word version is far more common in modern American usage. You can safely use nighttime as a noun or adjective without worrying about splitting it, making it the preferred choice for most contemporary writing and editing contexts.

The Short Answer

The single-word form nighttime is the standard spelling in modern American English and is widely accepted in other varieties of the language as well. Dictionaries list it as the primary entry for this concept.

People often split it into night time because they associate it with other compound terms like afternoon or morning time, but linguistic convention has solidified the closed compound as the dominant and recommended form.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Form	Status	Use it when
nighttime	Standard	You want the most common, professional spelling for nouns or adjectives.
night time	Accepted	You are following a specific style guide that prefers open compounds.
Nighttime	Capitalized	The word starts a sentence or appears in a title case heading.
Night time	Rare	You are matching older texts or specific regional preferences.

Correct Example Sentences

The city lights create a beautiful nighttime atmosphere for evening strolls.
Please submit your nighttime reading list by the end of the week.
Our security team monitors the premises during nighttime hours.
Her cat is unusually energetic during the nighttime hours.
Many nocturnal animals only become active after nighttime falls.
The doctor prescribed medication to help with nighttime sleep disruptions.
Check the weather forecast for accurate nighttime temperature predictions.
We enjoyed a peaceful dinner under the nighttime starlight.
The museum closes early on weekends due to limited nighttime staff.
Turn on your headlights when driving through dark nighttime roads.

Common Mistakes and Fixes

I love to read at night time.: I love to read at nighttime.
The night time shift starts at ten.: The nighttime shift starts at ten.
She fears the dark night time hours.: She fears the dark nighttime hours.
Our policy covers night time emergencies.: Our policy covers nighttime emergencies.
He works the night time schedule.: He works the nighttime schedule.
Keep the house quiet during night time.: Keep the house quiet during nighttime.

A Quick Test You Can Use

Ask yourself if the word functions as a single concept describing the period after sunset. If it acts as a unified noun or adjective, use the closed compound nighttime. This mental check helps you avoid unnecessary spaces that break the flow of the word.

Related Word Pairs

Everyday vs Every day: Use everyday as an adjective and every day as an adverbial phrase.
It is vs Its: Use it is for the contraction and its for possession without an apostrophe.
Loose vs Lose: Loose means not tight, while lose means to misplace or fail.
Their vs There: Use their for possession and there for a place or existence.

More Example Sentences

The library remains open late to accommodate nighttime study sessions.
Please adjust your thermostat settings for the night time period.
Fireflies often appear during the nighttime in rural areas.
The security alarm is programmed to activate during night time hours.
Many people prefer to meditate in the quiet of the nighttime.
The hospital provides specialized care for night time emergencies.
Owls are known for their keen hearing during the nighttime.
The observatory offers stargazing tours during the night time schedule.
Streetlights automatically turn on as nighttime approaches.
The bakery prepares dough during the night time for morning freshness.

Quick Practice

The museum closes at dusk, so plan your visit before .

nighttime

She prefers to work during the shift.

night time

The atmosphere is perfect for a quiet conversation.

nighttime

The security system is most active during hours.

night time

Many nocturnal animals become active after falls.

nighttime

The schedule includes early morning and late evening tasks.

night time

Frequently Asked Questions

Is nighttime one word or two?

It is officially one word in modern dictionaries and style guides. While the two-word form exists, the single-word version is the standard choice for clear and professional communication today.

Can I use night time in formal writing?

Yes, but it is less common. Most style guides prefer the closed compound. Unless your specific editor or publisher requires the open form, sticking with the single word is safer and more standard.

What is the difference between nighttime and night?

Night refers to the time period itself, while nighttime often emphasizes the qualities or activities associated with that period. It functions similarly to how we use the suffix -time in other contexts.

Do British English speakers use night time?

Both forms appear in British English, but the single-word version is increasingly common. You will see both in newspapers and books, so either is generally acceptable depending on the specific publication style.