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Definition of nocturne

nocturne

/ˈnɑːk.tɜːrn/
noc · turne
Adverb:nocturnally
•
Plural:nocturnes
•
Adjective:nocturnal
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nocturne Lexical Profile

nocturne Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A short, lyrical musical composition of a dreamy or pensive character, typically written for the piano and inspired by or evocative of the night.

Example

"The pianist closed the recital with a delicate Chopin nocturne that left the concert hall in hushed silence."

2

A painting or other work of visual art that depicts a night scene or captures the atmospheric qualities of darkness and moonlight.

Example

"James McNeill Whistler's famous nocturnes of the River Thames emphasized tonal harmony over narrative detail."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for nocturne

• Nearby Words

noccalula
nocturnal
nocturnally
nocturne
nod
nodder
nodding onion

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 19th century from French 'nocturne', from Latin 'nocturnus' (belonging to the night), derived from 'nox' (night). In music, the term was popularized by Irish composer John Field and perfected by Frédéric Chopin.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Nocturne. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/nocturne
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