nightcap

noun

night·​cap ˈnīt-ˌkap 

1

: a cloth cap worn with nightclothes

2

: a usually alcoholic drink taken at the end of the day

3

: the final race or contest of a day's sports

especially : the second game of a baseball doubleheader

Examples of nightcap in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the nightcap, there’s a fascinating matchup. —Sahil Kapur, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026

Just beyond check-in, a spacious living room-like area offers plenty of seating for morning coffee, afternoon reads, and post-dinner nightcaps, while the library provides space for game nights, work calls, or a quiet place to read or write. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026

The garden terrace is a perfect perch for a sunset cocktail with views of the historic neighborhood before a nightcap indoors at the Veranda Lounge. —Asa Canty, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2026

For a nightcap, stop by The Matheson and enjoy a drink on the rooftop from a menu filled with offerings made with local seasonal herbs, flowers and more. —Anna Katherine Clemmons, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for nightcap

• bandgap
• bitmap
• blackcap
• blackstrap
• bootstrap
• burlap
• claptrap
• entrap
• foolscap
• kidnap
• kneecap
• madcap

Kids Definition

nightcap

noun

night·​cap ˈnīt-ˌkap 

1

: a cap worn with nightclothes

2

: a drink taken at bedtime

3

: the final race or contest of a day's sports activities