nightlife

American  

[nahyt-lahyf] / ˈnaɪtˌlaɪf /

Or night life

noun

1. the activity of people seeking nighttime diversion, as at a nightclub, theater, or the like.

2. the entertainment available to them.

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nightlife British  

/ ˈnaɪtˌlaɪf /

noun

1. social life or entertainment taking place in the late evening or night, as in nightclubs

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Etymology

Origin of nightlife

First recorded in 1850–55; night + life

Explanation

Popular entertainment that happens after dark is called nightlife. In your small town, the nightlife might be all about disco night at the Elks Lodge. Any social activity you take part in at night can be called nightlife, but the word usually describes things like dancing at clubs, big parties, and live music concerts. If you visit a large city, there is going to be more nightlife available than if you spend the summer in remote Alaska. This word, with its original definition, "habitual nocturnal carousing," dates from the 1850s.

Example Sentences

We all know this from living in Los Angeles in nightlife culture.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

“And with James and my background in nightlife and music, it gained momentum and grew.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

Hodgkinson adds she hopes Newcastle City Council understands "the cultural power of really good quality nightlife".

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

Sass Café for Asian food, Avenue 31 for pasta and Sass Café on weekends for the nightlife vibe.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

It would have made an excellent spot from which to see the sky or take in the meerkats’ nightlife.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel