midnight

UK: ˈmɪdnaɪt | US: ˈmɪdnaɪt

Definition

  1. n. 12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night

  2. n. (figurative) a time of darkness or obscurity

Structure
mid <middle>night <dark period>
Etymology

The word "midnight" originates from Old English midniht, a compound of mid (meaning "middle") and niht (meaning "night"). It reflects the straightforward Germanic tradition of combining descriptive roots to form compound words. The term has retained its literal meaning ("12 AM") while also gaining figurative uses to symbolize darkness or hidden phases.

Examples

  1. The clock struck midnight, and the party ended.

  2. She worked until midnight to finish the project.

  3. The train departs at midnight sharp.

  4. In the midnight hours, the city feels eerily quiet.

  5. His thoughts wandered into the midnight of despair.