What does nightstand mean?
A nightstand is a small table placed beside a bed, usually within easy reach of someone lying down. It provides a convenient surface for a lamp, alarm clock, phone, book, water, or other personal belongings. In North American English, “nightstand” is the usual name for this piece of bedroom furniture; “bedside table” and “night table” are also used, with “night table” being especially common in British English. The word is practical and descriptive rather than formal, and it evokes the familiar arrangement of a bedroom, particularly the area immediately around the bed. Although some people use the term for a taller cabinet as well, its central meaning is a compact table intended to support items used at bedtime or during the night.
nounA small table or stand placed beside a bed, typically used to hold a lamp, clock, book, glass of water, or other personal items.
- A small table or stand beside a bed, used for holding personal items such as a lamp, clock, book, or drinking glass.
"She put her reading glasses and a glass of water on the nightstand before going to sleep."
"The phone charger was plugged in beside the nightstand."
"In the hospital room, a bottle of water sat on the nightstand."
The plural is formed by adding -s to the headword.
"There are nightstands on both sides of the bed."
The word “nightstand” neatly names the tiny piece of furniture that keeps everything within arm’s reach after dark.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nightstand come from?
“Nightstand” is a compound formed in the 19th century from “night” and “stand,” referring to a stand used at night, especially one placed beside a bed. Its meaning later broadened to include the small table that held such objects and eventually came to designate the table itself. The compound belongs to the same straightforward English vocabulary tradition that produced similar furniture names such as “night table” and “bedside table.”
Related word forms
How nightstand is actually used
The term is most common in North American English. British speakers more often use “bedside table” or “night table,” although “nightstand” is also understood in Britain.
Easily confused with nightstand
A bedside table is any table beside a bed, while a nightstand usually refers to a small, relatively low table intended for bedroom items.