daytime

UK: ˈdeɪtaɪm | US: ˈdeɪˌtaɪm

Definition

  1. n. the period of the day when there is natural light; daylight hours

Structure
day <period of 24 hours>time <duration>
Etymology

The word "daytime" is a straightforward compound of "day" (from Old English dæg, meaning the 24-hour cycle or the light portion of it) and "time" (from Old English tīma, meaning a measurable period). The combination logically refers to the illuminated portion of the day, contrasting with nighttime. This transparent structure reflects English's tendency to create descriptive compounds for clarity.

Examples

  1. Birds are most active during the daytime.

  2. She prefers to work in the daytime and sleep at night.

  3. The store is only open in the daytime.

  4. Daytime temperatures reached 30°C yesterday.

  5. The film was shot entirely in daytime to capture natural lighting.