watch night

noun

: a devotional service lasting until after midnight especially on New Year's Eve

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of watch night was in 1742

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Cite this Entry

“Watch night.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/watch%20night. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

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