What does "nocturne" mean?
A work of art relating or dedicated to the night.
Nocturne
/ˈnɒktɜːn/ noun
noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A work of art relating or dedicated to the night.
- Grammar: nocturne is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: absolute music, adaptation, air varie, aleatory.
- Useful contrasts: diurne.
- Usage evidence: Olga is learning a Chopin nocturne.
How to use "nocturne"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "nocturne" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "nocturne" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "nocturne" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "nocturne" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "absolute music" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "nocturne", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A work of art relating or dedicated to the night.
"He [James Abbott McNeill Whistler] was then asked for his definition of a Nocturne: “I have perhaps, meant rather to indicate an artistic interest alone in the work, divesting the picture from any outside sort of interest which might have been otherwise attached to it. It is an arrangement of line, form, and colour first, and I make use of any incident of it which shall bring about a symmetrical result. Among my works are some night pieces; and I have chosen the word Nocturne because it generalises and simplifies the whole set of them.”"
- 2 a pensive lyrical piece of music (especially for the piano) wordnet
- 3 A dreamlike or pensive composition, usually for the piano.
"“My tastes,” he said, still smiling, “incline me to the garishly sunlit side of this planet.” And, to tease her and arouse her to combat: “I prefer a farandole to a nocturne; I’d rather have a painting than an etching; Mr. Whistler bores me with his monochromatic mud; I don’t like dull colours, dull sounds, dull intellects;[…].”"
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Olga is learning a Chopin nocturne."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "nocturne"?
Common synonyms include: absolute music, adaptation, air varie, aleatory, aleatory music, arrangement.
How do you use "nocturne" in a sentence?
Olga is learning a Chopin nocturne.
How do you pronounce "nocturne"?
Pronounced /ˈnɒktɜːn/.
Etymology
Borrowed from French nocturne (literally “nocturnal”), from Latin nocturnus. Doublet of notturno.