night shift

American  

[nahyt shift] / ˈnaɪt ˌʃɪft /

noun

1. the workforce, as of a factory, scheduled to work during the nighttime.

2. the scheduled period of labor for this workforce.

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night shift British  

noun

1. a group of workers who work a shift during the night in an industry or occupation where a day shift or a back shift is also worked

2. the period worked

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Etymology

Origin of night shift

First recorded in 1700–10

Compare meaning

How does night-shift compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• day shift vs. night shift

Example Sentences

In 2026 the city holds the title European Capital of Culture, though culture has been working the night shift here for centuries.

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2026

Despite receiving treatment from the team's physio at half-time, Lang did not realise the cut on his elbow had been infected until he noticed swelling and increasing pain during a night shift that evening.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

Colleagues and relatives said the women who died had chosen to work the night shift so they could be with their children during the day.

From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026

Doukopil claimed that his night shift will be “more accountable and more transparent than Cronkite.”

From Slate • Jan. 6, 2026

I'm getting too old for the night shift, he told himself as he strode down the walkway along the shore.

From "A Wish in the Dark" by Christina Soontornvat