What does nightlight mean?
A nightlight is a small electric light that is left on or switched on during the night, usually in a child's bedroom, hallway, or bathroom. Unlike a bright ceiling light, it provides a soft, low-intensity glow that can offer reassurance to children, help someone find their way, or make a room feel less unfamiliar. Nightlights are also used in hospitals and other settings where a dim light is preferable to complete darkness. The word combines night and light and is commonly used in expressions such as “leave the nightlight on” and “plug in a nightlight.” It is an informal, familiar term rather than a technical one, and its two spellings, nightlight and night light, are both encountered.
nounA small, usually dim electric light kept on during the night, especially in a child's bedroom or hallway. It provides a low level of light for comfort, reassurance, or visibility.
- A small electric light left on overnight, typically in a bedroom or hallway, to provide a soft, reassuring glow.
"She left the hallway nightlight on so the children could find their way downstairs at night."
"The nightlight cast a faint amber glow across the nursery wall."
"He used a small nightlight to illuminate the landing without turning on the bright overhead light."
The plural is used when referring to multiple nightlights or to the product category.
"We installed two nightlights in the hallway."
A nightlight turns a familiar bedroom into a small world of reassurance: just enough light to feel safe, but not enough to end the night.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nightlight come from?
Nightlight is a compound formed in the modern English period from night and light. Both elements are inherited from Old English: niht for the period of darkness and lēoht or lioht for illumination. The compound's use became established in the 20th century as a term for a dim electric light used overnight, especially in children's rooms.
How nightlight is actually used
The word is most commonly used for a dim light in a child's room, but it can refer more generally to any small light kept on during the night. It is informal and everyday rather than technical.
Easily confused with nightlight
Nightlight is the standard one-word spelling for a small light used at night, although the two-word form is also sometimes seen.