What does nightly mean?
Nightly describes something that happens every night. It is used with schedules, broadcasts, routines, rates, updates, and other recurring activities: a hotel may offer a nightly rate, while a television station may provide a nightly news program. As an adverb, nightly means “every night” and commonly follows a verb, as in “the service runs nightly.” The word is neutral in tone and widely used in British and American English. Unlike night, which names the period of darkness, nightly emphasizes regular recurrence. It can also suggest continuity or habit, especially in phrases such as nightly routine or nightly maintenance. Its straightforward formation from night makes its meaning readily understandable, while its usefulness in describing regular evening or overnight activities gives it a practical place in everyday scheduling and news language.
Occurring, happening, or taking place every night.
"The station airs a nightly report on local news."
Used especially for recurring broadcasts, routines, performances, rates, and scheduled activities.
Every night; on each night.
"Visitors are admitted nightly."
Often follows a verb or stands as an adverb modifying a sentence.
Nightly is a tiny linguistic calendar: it turns “night” into a recurring habit.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nightly come from?
Nightly is an English formation based on Old English niht, meaning “night,” together with the suffix -ly. The adjective and adverb meanings developed from that base, with related English forms including nightfall, nightmare, and nighttime. The Germanic root behind niht is cognate with Dutch nacht and German Nacht.
How nightly is actually used
As an adjective, nightly typically appears before a noun, as in “nightly broadcast.” As an adverb, it usually stands alone or follows a verb, as in “the meeting is held nightly.” It is neutral in register and common in both British and American English.
Easily confused with nightly
Night is the period of darkness, while nightly describes something that happens every night.