bedtime
High frequency (A1/A2)Predominantly informal, but used neutrally in all registers.
Definition
Meaning
The time at which a person, especially a child, goes to bed.
A time or period associated with preparing for or settling into sleep; often used in contexts involving routines, stories, or products related to sleep.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a countable noun, though often used in compounds ('bedtime story', 'bedtime routine'). It strongly connotes routine, relaxation, and transition from wakefulness to sleep.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. American English might use 'bedtime' more commonly in marketing (e.g., 'bedtime tea').
Connotations
Slightly more associated with children in UK usage, but the difference is minimal.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
It's __'s bedtime.before/at/after bedtimebedtime for + [person/group]have/set a bedtimeVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bedtime story”
- “past one's bedtime”
- “make a bedtime of it (rare, humorous for staying up late)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in specific sectors like childcare, publishing (children's books), or consumer goods (e.g., 'bedtime beverage').
Academic
Used in developmental psychology, sleep studies, and paediatric literature.
Everyday
Very common, especially in family and domestic contexts.
Technical
Used in medical/health contexts regarding sleep hygiene.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A – 'bedtime' is not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A – 'bedtime' is not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A – 'bedtime' is not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A – 'bedtime' is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- We have a strict bedtime policy for the kids.
- He loves his bedtime cocoa.
American English
- She read a bedtime story.
- We need to buy new bedtime linens.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- It is the children's bedtime.
- Her bedtime is eight o'clock.
- I read a book at bedtime.
- You look tired; is it past your bedtime?
- We're trying to establish a regular bedtime for our toddler.
- He always drinks warm milk before bedtime.
- Sticking to a consistent bedtime is crucial for good sleep hygiene.
- The paediatrician advised an earlier bedtime to address the fatigue.
- Their bedtime routine includes brushing teeth and choosing a story.
- The research underscores the cognitive benefits of a fixed bedtime in early childhood.
- Jet lag had completely obliterated any semblance of a normal bedtime.
- She negotiated a later bedtime with her parents by demonstrating increased responsibility.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the two parts: BED + TIME. It's the *time* you go to *bed*.
Conceptual Metaphor
BOUNDARY (between day and night, activity and rest), CONTAINER (for sleep-related routines).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation as 'время кровати'—this is incorrect. Use 'время спать' or 'пора спать'.
- In Russian, the concept is often expressed with verbs ('пора спать'), not a fixed noun phrase like 'bedtime'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'sleep time' as a direct synonym (it's less idiomatic).
- Using it as an adjective without a hyphen (e.g., 'bedtime routine' is correct, not 'bed time routine').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST common and natural collocation with 'bedtime'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while frequently used for children, adults also have bedtimes, especially when discussing sleep schedules or routines. The context makes it clear.
No, that is incorrect. The correct phrases are 'go to bed', 'it's bedtime', or 'go to sleep at bedtime'.
'Bedtime' is specifically about going to sleep, often within a home/family context. 'Curfew' is a set time by which someone must be indoors or at home, imposed by authorities or parents, and doesn't necessarily imply sleep.
It is almost always written as one word ('bedtime') in modern English, especially as a noun or in compounds. 'Bed time' (two words) is considered archaic or an error.