nightcap

American  

[nahyt-kap] / ˈnaɪtˌkæp /

noun

1. Informal. an alcoholic drink taken at bedtime or at the end of a festive evening.

2. a cap for the head, intended primarily to be worn in bed.

3. Sports Informal. the last event of the program for the day, especially the second game of a doubleheader in baseball or the last race of the day in horse racing.

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nightcap British  

/ ˈnaɪtˌkæp /

noun

1. a bedtime drink, esp an alcoholic or hot one

2. a soft cap formerly worn in bed

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Other Word Forms

• nightcapped adjective

Etymology

Origin of nightcap

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; night, cap ¹

Example Sentences

The new breed of nightcaps generally combines minerals, vitamins and herbs, offered in flavors such as hot cocoa, mixed berry and vanilla latte.

From The Wall Street Journal

When Erivo’s concert ended on opening night, a cheerful crowd of more than 800 people rushed into the darkened streets looking for a nightcap and a bite to eat.

From Los Angeles Times

The twins could not follow what was going on but challenged the amused private to a duel by hurling their nightcaps at his feet.

From Literature

Yoga as a nightcap I like to do a little yoga before bed.

From Los Angeles Times

From nightcaps on the royal train to discussions over the Coronation budget, here are some of the most eye-catching anecdotes in the book:

From BBC

Related Words

• sedative