nightcap

[nahyt-kap]

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.

nightcap

/ ˈnaɪtˌkæp /

noun

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

2. a soft cap formerly worn in bed

Other Word Forms

• nightcapped adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nightcap¹

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

Example Sentences

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

Read more on Literature

“Showgirl’s” opening track has a sultry groove and low pulse that could easily be the soundtrack to a flirty nightcap or the series finale of a dark comedy.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

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

Read more on BBC

So no matter what happens throughout the day, that’s going to be the nightcap.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• sedative