Meaning 1neutral · 86%
Active mainly during the night rather than during the day.
Natural examples
Owls are nocturnal birds that hunt after dark.
The researchers tracked several nocturnal mammals.
That animal appears nocturnal in this region.
Usage note
Especially common in wildlife and biology; also used for events occurring at night.
Useful combinations
nocturnal animal — animal mainly active at night — species with a nighttime activity pattern