bedtime story

noun

: a story read or recounted to someone (such as a child) at bedtime

Examples of bedtime story in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Reading bedtime stories and helping them with homework are not the only ways to be a great parent. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2025 Never letting work get in the way of family time, the superstar is pictured reading her babies a bedtime story. Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 24 July 2025 The Echo Dot Kids adds some fun with music and bedtime stories on command. PC Magazine, 17 July 2025 Only occasionally could my father be cajoled into telling me a bedtime story. Margot Singer july 9, Literary Hub, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for bedtime story

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bedtime story was in 1868

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bedtime story.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bedtime%20story. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on bedtime story

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!