late-night
UK: ˌleɪtˈnaɪt | US: ˌleɪtˈnaɪt
adj. occurring or active late at night
n. a period or event happening late at night
The compound "late-night" combines "late" (Old English læt, meaning "slow" or "delayed") and "night" (Old English niht, meaning "the dark part of the day"). The fusion reflects activities or phenomena extending into the later hours of nighttime, emphasizing temporal specificity. Its usage grew with modern schedules (e.g., broadcasting, dining), where "late-night" distinguishes events from typical daytime or evening ones.
She hosts a popular late-night talk show.
We grabbed a late-night snack after the concert.
Late-night studying affects sleep quality.
The diner serves late-night meals until 3 AM.
His late-night habits make mornings difficult.