What does nightie mean?
“Nightie” is an informal noun meaning a nightgown: a loose, comfortable garment worn for sleeping or lounging in bed. It often carries a cosy, domestic, or slightly old-fashioned tone, and it is especially common in British English, though it is also understood in American English. Unlike the more neutral “nightgown,” “nightie” tends to suggest something soft, familiar, or personal, whether referring to an adult’s clothing or a child’s sleepwear. The word is normally used in everyday conversation rather than formal writing, product descriptions, or clinical contexts. It can be modified by words such as “cotton,” “flannel,” “pink,” or “warm,” and phrases such as “wear a nightie” or “change into a nightie” are natural. Although “nightgown” and “nightdress” are more formal alternatives, “nightie” is often the word people reach for when describing ordinary, comfortable sleepwear.
nounAn informal word for a nightgown, usually a loose or comfortable garment worn in bed.
- A nightgown or similar loose garment worn in bed.
"She put on a soft cotton nightie before going to bed."
"He changed into a striped nightie and went to make tea."
"The children's pyjamas and nighties were hanging on the bedroom door."
The plural is commonly written “nighties” and is often pronounced with a medial /z/: /ˈnaɪtiz/.
"She folded the clean nighties and placed them in the drawer."
Nightie is the cosy shorthand for a nightgown: one small word that instantly evokes bedtime, comfort, and getting ready to sleep.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nightie come from?
“Nightie” is a diminutive formed in the 19th century from “night,” with the familiar suffix “-ie.” The formation follows the same affectionate pattern found in words such as “birdie” and “dearie,” giving the garment a familiar, domestic character. It developed alongside the longer-established “nightgown” and became especially associated with informal British usage.
How nightie is actually used
Informal and often affectionate; especially common in British, Irish, Australian, and New Zealand English. It is understood in the United States but is less frequent there.
Easily confused with nightie
A nightgown is the more formal or standard term for a garment worn in bed, while nightie is its informal, usually affectionate equivalent.
Nightdress is primarily a British term for a loose garment worn in bed; nightie is a more casual word, especially in British English.