nocturnals
|noc-tur-nals|
🇺🇸
/nɑkˈtɝnəlz/
🇬🇧
/nɒkˈtɜːnəlz/
(nocturnal)
active at night
Etymology
'nocturnal' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'nocturnalis', where 'noct-' meant 'night' and the suffix '-alis' formed adjectives.
'nocturnal' changed from Latin 'nocturnalis' (and earlier 'nocturnus') and entered English via late Latin/Old French forms, eventually becoming the modern English word 'nocturnal'.
Initially it meant 'of or relating to the night', and over time it has come to mean 'active or occurring at night' in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural form of 'nocturnal' when used as a noun: animals or people that are active at night.
Many nocturnals emerge after sunset to hunt or forage.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
adjective 'nocturnal': active at night; occurring or done during the night. (Note: 'nocturnals' is primarily the plural noun form.)
Many bats are nocturnal, preferring to hunt after dark.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/28 02:17