all-nighter

American  

[awl-nahy-ter] / ˈɔlˈnaɪ tər /

noun

Informal.

1. something that lasts, is available, or is open for business throughout the night.

   The poker game turned into an all-nighter. Are any of the grocery stores all-nighters?

2. an act of staying up all night, as to study or finish a task.

   I had to pull an all-nighter to get the paper done on time.

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all-nighter British  

/ ˌɔːlˈnaɪtə /

noun

1. an entertainment, such as a pop concert or film screening, that lasts all night

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Etymology

Origin of all-nighter

1890–95; all night + -er ¹

Example Sentences

On Monday lawmakers in Olympia pulled an all-nighter to push through the legislation, which Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson has said he will sign.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

“I pulled almost an all-nighter last night, so he’s been keeping us up,” he said, exhaling a light chuckle.

From Salon • Sep. 30, 2025

Get ready for another all-nighter reading Givhan’s lyrical, spooky thriller.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2025

Lined up along the edge of the track are the support crews - normally a partner or friend who has sacrificed their weekend to pull an all-nighter.

From BBC • Oct. 8, 2024

“Does she honestly think we can guard anything after pulling an all-nighter? I was so out of it today that the Colonies’ Chancellor himself could’ve walked into Batalla Hall and I wouldn’t have known it.”

From "Legend" by Marie Lu