nightshade
noun
night·shade
ˈnīt-ˌshād 
1
: any of a genus (Solanum of the family Solanaceae, the nightshade family) of herbs, shrubs, and trees having alternate leaves, cymose flowers, and fruits that are berries and including some poisonous weeds, various ornamentals, and important crop plants (such as the potato and eggplant)
Examples of nightshade in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Avoid planting potatoes in the same location where potatoes and other members of the nightshade family (tomatoes, eggplants, peppers) were grown for the past three years.
—
Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Feb. 2026
Take the next set of steps up past thick bunches of black sage and chaparral nightshade.
—Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
Peppers Peppers are another nightshade family member that can attract the same pests and diseases as tomatoes.
—Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 4 Feb. 2026
Sweet potatoes are part of the morning glory family, while white potatoes are part of the nightshade family.
—Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nightshade
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Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Feb. 2026
Take the next set of steps up past thick bunches of black sage and chaparral nightshade.
—Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
Peppers Peppers are another nightshade family member that can attract the same pests and diseases as tomatoes.
—Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 4 Feb. 2026
Sweet potatoes are part of the morning glory family, while white potatoes are part of the nightshade family.
—Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nightshade
Cite this Entry
“Nightshade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nightshade. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
nightshade
noun
night·shade
ˈnīt-ˌshād
: any of a family of herbs, shrubs, and trees having clusters of usually white, yellow, or purple flowers, and fruits that are berries and including many poisonous forms (as belladonna) and important food plants (as the potato, tomato, and eggplant)
Medical Definition
nightshade
noun
night·shade
ˈnīt-ˌshād
1
: any plant of the genus Solanum (family Solanaceae, the nightshade family) which includes some poisonous weeds, various ornamental garden plants, and important crop plants (as the potato and eggplant)
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