bedtime

noun

bed·​time ˈbed-ˌtīm How to pronounce bedtime (audio)
: a time for going to bed

Examples of bedtime in a Sentence

The children are still up? It's way past their bedtimes.
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.
In a world designed to pull families toward screens, bedtime reading remains a refuge where parent and child share the same imaginative space. Erin Clabough, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026 Ensure a consistent bedtime routine and reduce evening exposure to blue light. William Jones, Ascend Agency, 10 Feb. 2026 For the past decade, the twins slept in the same bedroom, sharing bedtime routines. Ronnie Li, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026 For years, bedtime was the most stressful part of my day. Reem Raouda, CNBC, 8 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bedtime

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bedtime was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Bedtime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bedtime. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

bedtime

noun
bed·​time ˈbed-ˌtīm How to pronounce bedtime (audio)
: time to go to bed
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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