nightcap

[ nahyt-kap ]

noun

1. Informal. an alcoholic drink taken at bedtime or at the end of a festive evening.
2. a cap for the head, intended primarily to be worn in bed.
3. Sports Informal. the last event of the program for the day, especially the second game of a doubleheader in baseball or the last race of the day in horse racing.

nightcap

/ ˈnaɪtˌkæp /

noun

1. a bedtime drink, esp an alcoholic or hot one
2. a soft cap formerly worn in bed

Other Words From

• nightcapped adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nightcap¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; night, cap ¹

Example Sentences

The All-Star catcher has three homers in the last two games — he connected in the nightcap of Tuesday’s doubleheader sweep.

From Seattle Times

We didn’t want our night to end, so we went to Barney’s for a nightcap.

From Los Angeles Times

Inside, my bare feet walk on the qilim my mother “lent” me 15 years ago, and the air’s laced with cardamom from my decaf-black virgin nightcap.

From Los Angeles Times

Comment: The hottest team in the conference takes the court in T Mobile Arena for the nightcap and wastes little time laying waste to the first of several victims.

From Seattle Times

There will be a 21-and-older beer garden set up in a designated portion of the crowd, if you want a nightcap during the show.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• sedative