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• good night
  good night

  interjection

  an expression of farewell used in parting at nighttime or when going to sleep.
• good-night
  good-night

  noun

  a farewell or leave-taking.

good night

¹ American  

interjection

1. an expression of farewell used in parting at nighttime or when going to sleep.

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good-night ² American  

[good-nahyt] / ˌgʊdˈnaɪt /

noun

1. a farewell or leave-taking.

   He said his good-nights before leaving the party.

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good night British  

1. a conventional expression of farewell, or, rarely, of greeting, used in the late afternoon, the evening, or at night, esp when departing to bed

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good night Idioms  

1. Expression of farewell used when parting at night or when going to sleep, as in He stood at the door, saying good night to each of the departing guests , or Mother came to tuck the children in and kiss them good night . [Late 1300s]

2. Exclamation of surprise or irritation, as in Good night, Joe!—You can't mean what you said , or Good night, Anne—it's time you learned how to throw a ball . [Late 1800s]

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Etymology

Origin of good night

Middle English word dating back to 1325–75

Example Sentences

"Good night, happy new year," the 63-year-old leftist was heard saying in English.

From Barron's • Jan. 4, 2026

"I could spend the night writing to you … I am your forever faithful wife. Good night, my dear friend. It is midnight. I think it is time for me to rest."

From Science Daily • Nov. 6, 2023

"Good night," Mrs. Hedges said, and strode away.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2020

Good night, and congratulations to all the Dolittles!

From Slate • Jan. 19, 2020

“Thank you, Hiram. We’ll all be praying too, praying for the good Lord’s mercy. Good night, you two,” she said and went down the front steps.

From "Mississippi Trial, 1955" by Chris Crowe