night-shift

A worker starts his night-shift at the factory.

Definition

1. Noun (Countable and Uncountable):
   • A period of work during the night: "night-shift" refers to a scheduled period of employment that takes place during the night, typically from around 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. or similar hours.
   • The group of workers employed during this period: "night-shift" can also mean the team or set of employees who work during the night hours.

Usage Examples

• Period of work:

  • She works the night-shift at the hospital. (She is employed during the nighttime hours.)
  • The factory runs three shifts, including a night-shift. (The factory operates during the night as one of its work periods.)

• Group of workers:

  • The night-shift is responsible for security after midnight. (The team of workers on duty during the night handles security.)
  • I prefer the night-shift because it is quieter. (I like working with the nighttime crew because there is less activity.)

Advanced Usage

• "to pull a night-shift": to work a night shift, often implying it is difficult or tiring.

  • He had to pull a night-shift to meet the deadline. (He worked through the night to finish the project.)

• "night-shift differential": additional pay given to employees for working during nighttime hours.

  • The company offers a 15% night-shift differential. (Employees receive extra wages for night work.)

Variants and Related Words

• Night shift worker (n): a person who works during the night shift.

  • Night shift workers often struggle with sleep schedules. (Employees on night duty face challenges with rest.)

• Shift work (n): a work schedule that involves rotating or fixed periods, including night shifts.

  • Shift work can disrupt the body's natural rhythm. (Working at different times, including at night, affects health.)

Synonyms

• Graveyard shift: a night shift, especially one that starts late at night (e.g., midnight to 8 a.m.).
• Night duty: a period of work or responsibility during the night, often in healthcare or security.

Related Idioms

• "burning the midnight oil": working late into the night, often related to studying or completing tasks, but not necessarily a formal shift.

  • She was burning the midnight oil to finish her report. (She worked very late at night.)

• "night owl": a person who is active and alert during the night, often used for those who prefer night shifts.

  • As a night owl, he found the night-shift easy to handle. (He naturally stays awake late, so night work suits him.)