weeknight

American  

[week-nahyt] / ˈwikˌnaɪt /

noun

1. any night of the week, usually except Saturday and Sunday.

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adjective

1. Also weeknightly of, on, or for a weeknight.

   the weeknight lineup of TV programs.

weeknight British  

/ ˈwiːkˌnaɪt /

noun

1. the evening or night of a weekday

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Usage

What is a weeknight? A weeknight is the evening of a weekday—any day that is not a weekend day.Since the weekend is considered to consist of Saturday and Sunday, the weekdays are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.The word week most commonly refers to any period of seven consecutive days, or to the seven-day period on the calendar that begins on Sunday and ends on Saturday. However, in weekday and weeknight, it refers to the five-day period that’s often considered the workweek or school week. The standard workweek is from Monday through Friday, though working schedules vary widely.For this reason, terms like weekday and weeknight are typically used—instead of just saying day or night—to distinguish them from the days and nights on the weekend.The similar terms work night and school night refer to nights when a person has to work or go to school the next day. Weeknight doesn’t necessarily imply this, but most people are probably less likely to call Friday night a weeknight since Friday evening is often considered the start of the weekend (though Friday is still considered a weekday.)Weeknight is commonly used as an adjective, as in weeknight dinner. The word weeknights can be used as an adverb meaning on weeknights, as in I work weeknights, but I’m free weekends. Example: I don’t usually like to be out so late on a weeknight, but I couldn’t miss this!

Etymology

Origin of weeknight

First recorded in 1855–60; week + night

Example Sentences

It is many things: diner stalwart, weeknight hero, cafeteria punchline.

From Salon • Mar. 11, 2026

Skeptics question the need to trade on a Saturday or in the middle of a weeknight, given that periods of low volume can make buying or selling less efficient, and more expensive.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

You could, of course, build this blend from individual jars — thyme, oregano, paprika, cayenne — but these pantry workhorses are weeknight shortcuts to complexity.

From Salon • Feb. 24, 2026

This is food designed to meet you where you are, whether that’s a weeknight spiral, a crowded table or a quiet morning with coffee and crumbs.

From Salon • Dec. 18, 2025

One was a weeknight performance of Les Misérables at a theater not far from the office.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama