What does daytime mean?
Daytime is the part of the day during which the sun is above the horizon — the stretch between sunrise and sunset when natural light makes outdoor activity possible. As a noun, it functions collectively, describing that entire period rather than a single moment, which is why speakers typically refer to 'the daytime' or say something happens 'during the daytime.' The word contrasts directly with nighttime, and its opposite quality — brightness versus darkness — shapes much of its use: animals are described as active in the daytime or at night, events are scheduled for daytime hours, and crimes committed 'in broad daylight' strike observers as unusually bold because witnesses abound. Daytime also has a specialized meaning in broadcasting, where it denotes the block of programming aired on weekdays while most people are awake, famously home to soap operas known as daytime dramas. Practical, neutral, and universally understood, the word is indispensable for describing schedules, habits, and the rhythm of daily life.
The time of day when it is light outside, between sunrise and sunset.
"Bats emerge only after the daytime has ended."
Usually treated as uncountable; 'the daytime' or 'during the daytime' are the most idiomatic forms.
The segment of a television or radio schedule broadcast during the daylight hours, typically weekday mornings and afternoons.
"Talk shows dominate the network's daytime lineup."
An industry-specific extension of the general sense, especially associated with daytime dramas.
Daytime is normally used as an uncountable mass noun referring to the lit portion of the day in general; a plural form exists but is seldom needed.
"The park is crowded on summer daytimes."
In law, 'in broad daylight' carries an extra sting — crimes committed in daytime are considered so brazen they're treated as an aggravating factor.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of daytime
Daytime is an English compound formed from 'day,' which descends from Old English dæg meaning the period of daylight, and 'time,' from Old English tīma, denoting a fixed duration or season. Both elements are Germanic in origin, tracing back through Proto-Germanic roots shared with related words such as Dutch dag and German Tag. The compound emerged in English as speakers needed a collective term for the lit portion of the day as opposed to nighttime, and it parallels other day-based formations like midday and daybreak.
How daytime is actually used
Daytime is used chiefly as an uncountable noun referring to the whole lit portion of the day rather than to any single day; phrases like 'during the daytime' are more common than using the word alone. In broadcasting, 'daytime' is a well-established industry term, often shortened to 'daytime' as shorthand for daytime television. The word is neutral in tone and common in both everyday and formal usage.
Easily confused with daytime
Nighttime is the dark period between dusk and dawn, whereas daytime is the lit period between sunrise and sunset.