all-nighter

American  

[awl-nahy-ter] / ˈɔlˈnaɪ tər /

noun

Informal.

1. something that lasts, is available, or is open for business throughout the night.

   The poker game turned into an all-nighter. Are any of the grocery stores all-nighters?

2. an act of staying up all night, as to study or finish a task.

   I had to pull an all-nighter to get the paper done on time.

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all-nighter British  

/ ˌɔːlˈnaɪtə /

noun

1. an entertainment, such as a pop concert or film screening, that lasts all night

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Etymology

Origin of all-nighter

1890–95; all night + -er ¹

Example Sentences

On Monday lawmakers in Olympia pulled an all-nighter to push through the legislation, which Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson has said he will sign.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

“I pulled almost an all-nighter last night, so he’s been keeping us up,” he said, exhaling a light chuckle.

From Salon • Sep. 30, 2025

Lined up along the edge of the track are the support crews - normally a partner or friend who has sacrificed their weekend to pull an all-nighter.

From BBC • Oct. 8, 2024

Like a student pulling an all-nighter to prepare for an exam, the Washington State Department of Transportation is pushing projects as fast as possible to meet a 2030 deadline to reopen 90% of upstream habitat.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 18, 2024

“About a month. Since Dill’s all-nighter applying to college.”

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner