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nightstand

nightstand

45 1.5
A small table next to a bed for a lamp or books
  • noun
  • /ˈnaɪtˌstænd/
  • US
translation icon : mesita de noche
  • I keep a lamp and an alarm clock on my nightstand for convenience.

Examples

  • On top of the nightstand is a box of tissues and a bottle of nasal spray.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • Still, she had the photograph framed and put it on the nightstand next to our bed.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • It's on the nightstand over there.

  • I found it on my nightstand.

  • Look what I found on the nightstand.

  • You left it on your nightstand.

  • There was a picture right there on the nightstand.

  • I ran across something a bit odd in the nightstand by the bed this afternoon," Jean said.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • Moncrief places a briefcase on a nightstand next to the bed.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • Nyebern plucked a Kleenex from a box on the nightstand and gave it to her.

    Fiction book (1992)

Synonyms

bedside table
vsnightstand
18 1.9

A small table next to a bed for a lamp, books, or a phone

is more specific, mainly for a lamp, books, or a clock
chevet
vsnightstand
  • UK
9.9

A small table next to a bed that holds a lamp or books

is narrower, referring only to a small table not a cabinet

How Much Storage

dresser
  • UK
14 1.6
nightstand
  • US
45 1.5

Surface Forms

nightstand singular
nightstands plural

Morphology

nightstand = night + stand (transparent) = night + stand

The meaning is directly compositional: a 'stand' positioned for use at night beside a bed.

Etymology

The word nightstand comes from the two simple words night ('the dark time') and stand ('something that stands'), meaning a small stand you keep beside your bed at night to hold a lamp, books, or a clock.