bedtime
UK: ˈbedtaɪm | US: ˈbɛdˌtaɪm
n. the usual time when someone goes to bed
n. the period or ritual associated with preparing for sleep (e.g., children’s bedtime stories)
The word "bedtime" is a straightforward compound formed by combining "bed" (from Old English bedd, meaning a sleeping place) and "time" (from Old English tīma, referring to a period or moment). It emerged in Middle English (14th century) as a practical term to denote the hour for sleep. The logic is transparent: "bed" anchors the context (sleep), while "time" specifies the moment. This reflects a common Germanic pattern of creating compound nouns for daily routines.
Her strict bedtime is at 9 PM every night.
The children protested when their parents announced bedtime.
Reading a book is part of my relaxing bedtime routine.
He missed his bedtime because of the late meeting.
Pediatricians emphasize the importance of a consistent bedtime for toddlers.