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

But beneath that poise lie challenges far heavier than night shifts or 10-round fights.

From BBC

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

Toxic gas is believed to have built up underground in poorly ventilated tunnels, causing the workers to collapse just before the end of their night shift.

From BBC

In New York, Duvall worked night shifts at the post office, washed dishes and kept auditioning.

From Los Angeles Times

With a 12‑hour night shift ahead, the work was simply more trouble than it was worth for the mother of two.

From Barron's