goodnight

IPA/ˌɡʊdˈnaɪt/
KK[ɡˈʊdnˌaɪt]IPA/ˌɡʊdˈnaɪt/

goodnight — exclamation

1. an expression spoken when leaving someone or going to bed late at night. In info

1.exclamationA1
Definition

an expression spoken when leaving someone or going to bed late at night. In informal situations, people often say just 'Night'.

Example

Bilal kissed his daughter's forehead and whispered goodnight before turning off the light.

Yuna called out goodnight to the security guard as she walked through the office door.

'called out goodnight to [someone]' — used when speaking across a distance

Common collocations
  • say goodnight
  • whisper goodnight
  • text goodnight
  • kiss (someone) goodnight
Synonyms
  • Night

    shortened informal version, very common in texting and casual speech

  • Sleep well

    more intimate and caring; implies a genuine wish for rest

  • Sweet dreams

    affectionate, used with close friends, partners, or children

Antonyms
  • Good morning

    used as a greeting at the start of the day, not a farewell

Usage Note

Frequently shortened to 'Night' in casual text messages and spoken English among friends and family. Unlike 'good morning' or 'good afternoon', 'goodnight' is never used as a greeting — it is only a farewell.

Common Mistakes

Goodnight, how are you?' (used as a greeting).
Goodnight, see you tomorrow.
goodnight is a farewell, not an opening greeting.
I goodnight my friend.
I said goodnight to my friend.
goodnight is not a verb; use 'say goodnight to'.

Synonym discussion

Sense: exclamation/1

'Goodnight' is the standard, neutral farewell used in all settings — formal, informal, spoken, and written. 'Night' is its shortened, informal version, extremely common in text messages and casual conversation among friends and family, but too relaxed for professional or formal contexts. 'Sleep well' carries a warmer, more caring tone and implies genuine concern for the person's rest; it is typically used with close family members, romantic partners, or housemates. 'Sweet dreams' is the most affectionate of the group, often directed at children or romantic partners, and sounds out of place in workplace or casual acquaintance settings.

Night ↗Sleep wellSweet dreams

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishModern English

A contraction of the phrase 'good night', used as a farewell wish for a good night's sleep. 'Good' comes from Old English 'gōd' and 'night' from Old English 'niht'. The expression has been used as a bedtime farewell since at least the 14th century in Middle English.