What does nightclothes mean?
Nightclothes means clothing worn at night, usually for sleeping or relaxing. The category commonly includes pajamas, nightgowns, nightshirts, and similar garments, although it does not require a specific style. In British and American English, the word is understood but is less frequent in everyday speech than pajamas, pyjamas, or sleepwear; it can sound somewhat formal or literary. A natural use is “change into nightclothes,” while the phrase “in his nightclothes” can describe someone who is dressed for bed or relaxing at night. Nightclothes is a plural noun, so it takes a plural verb in constructions such as “nightclothes are folded neatly.” The term is useful as a broad label when the specific type of sleepwear is unimportant. Its name reflects the simple English combination of night and clothes, emphasizing clothing intended for nighttime use.
nounClothes worn at night for sleeping or relaxing, especially pajamas or a nightgown.
- Clothes worn at night for sleeping or relaxing.
"She changed into her nightclothes before going to bed."
"He put on his nightclothes and turned off the lights."
"The novel describes the character preparing for the evening in her nightclothes."
Nightclothes is normally a plural noun with no separate standard singular form in modern usage.
"Her nightclothes were folded on the chair."
Nightclothes cover the entire nighttime wardrobe, even the clothes that never make it past the bedroom door.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nightclothes come from?
Nightclothes is an English compound formed from night and clothes. The first element comes from Old English niht, meaning the period of darkness, while clothes derives from Old English clūthas, referring to garments or fabric. Related English compounds include nightgown, nightdress, nightshirt, and nightwear, all of which share the idea of clothing associated with the night.
How nightclothes is actually used
The term is standard in both British and American English but is less common in everyday conversation than pajamas, pyjamas, or sleepwear. It can sound neutral, mildly formal, or literary. Nightclothes is normally treated as a plural noun.
Easily confused with nightclothes
Nightclothes is a broader term for clothing worn at night, while pajamas specifically denotes a loose two-piece outfit consisting of a top and trousers or shorts.