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nightcap

Something that a person reads or listens to before bed.

ˈnaɪtˌkæpCurrent122 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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3 definitions
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#1·Apr 27, 2026

Something that a person reads or listens to before bed.

This week I took up the relatively simple challenge of buying breakfast, lunch and dinner—and a nightcap—exclusively from konbini, as well as completing a couple of admin tasks.
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#2·Apr 27, 2026

A beverage drunk before bed that is usually alcoholic.

I'll make myself a nightcap of whisky and lemon before heading to bed.
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#3·Apr 27, 2026

(headwear) A warm cloth cap worn while sleeping, often with pajamas, being common attire in northern Europe before effective home heating became widespread.

Winston wore a nightcap to stave off the cold.
For parents

Nightcap means: A warm cloth cap worn while sleeping, often with pajamas, being common attire in northern Europe before effective home heating became widespread.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

nightcap means: A warm cloth cap worn while sleeping, often with pajamas, being common attire in northern Europe before effective home heating became widespread.. Register: neutral, standard English. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself.

Cluster: normal
Heard in the wild
  • “the cli just suggested a night out to celebrate the last successful deployment. i blinked and realized it was 4 am. maybe it just wants my sanity as a nightcap. cheers?”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
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