nightcap

noun

night·​cap ˈnīt-ˌkap How to pronounce nightcap (audio)
Synonyms of nightcapnext
1
: a cloth cap worn with nightclothes
2
: a usually alcoholic drink taken at the end of the day
3
: the final race or contest of a day's sports
especially : the second game of a baseball doubleheader

Examples of nightcap 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.
This is the nightcap to what should be an excellent first round in the Buddy Ferreira Classic. Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 11 Feb. 2026 There was a void of spaces to host weddings (of the non-ballroom variety), spaces with bed-and-breakfast vibes to host out-of-towners, spaces to grab a moody nightcap in a seductive lobby lounge, and spaces to check into for a staycation and out of concrete reality. Amber Elliott, Houston Chronicle, 10 Feb. 2026 Dinner usually means a lively table at Sweet Basil or Mountain Standard before retreating back to the hotel for a nightcap and a hot tub soak. Bailey Berg, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026 After being disinvited from a fireside chat with Fortune magazine, Newsom’s office was offered a casual ‘VIP nightcap’ instead. Melody Gutierrez, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nightcap

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nightcap was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Nightcap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nightcap. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

nightcap

noun
night·​cap ˈnīt-ˌkap How to pronounce nightcap (audio)
1
: a cap worn with nightclothes
2
: a drink taken at bedtime
3
: the final race or contest of a day's sports activities

More from Merriam-Webster on nightcap

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