nocturnal

Everyday

1. (science) Nocturnal animals are active at night and sleep during the day. tree →
2. Happening at night: a nocturnal walk, nocturnal noises. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons: nocturnal animals like owls, bats, hedgehogs, foxes, badgers and possums have special senses for the dark. Opposite: diurnal (active in the day). In stories: nocturnal adventures.

Examples

• Owls are nocturnal birds. tree →
• Hedgehogs are nocturnal, so you see them at night. tree →
• Bats use sound to find food on their nocturnal flights. tree →
• Possums in Australia are nocturnal. tree →
• Our hamster is nocturnal and runs on its wheel all night. tree →
• We went on a nocturnal walk to see the stars. tree →
• Many desert animals are nocturnal to avoid the heat. tree →

Note

Opposite: diurnal (active by day); crepuscular means active at dawn and dusk. From Latin «nox» (night). Trap: not all animals that come out at night are fully nocturnal.