Definition

1. Noun:
   • A final game of a doubleheader: In sports, especially baseball, a "nightcap" refers to the second game of a doubleheader (two games played on the same day).
   • A cloth cap worn in bed: A soft cap, often made of cloth, traditionally worn to keep the head warm while sleeping.
   • An alcoholic drink taken at bedtime: A drink, often alcoholic like a small whiskey or warm milk with spirits, consumed just before going to sleep.

Examples

• Noun:
  • After losing the afternoon game, the team hoped to win the nightcap.
  • In the old movie, the character put on his nightcap before blowing out the candle.
  • He enjoyed a soothing nightcap of brandy to help him fall asleep.

Advanced Usage

• "Have a nightcap": To consume a final drink, typically alcoholic, at the end of an evening.
  • After the dinner party, the host invited everyone to stay and have a nightcap.

Variants and Related Words

• Nightgown (n): A loose garment worn for sleeping.
• Nightshirt (n): A long, loose shirt worn for sleeping.

Synonyms

• Finale: A concluding event (for the sports meaning).
• Sleeping cap: A cap worn in bed.
• Bedtime drink: A drink consumed before sleep.

Related Phrases

• "One for the road": A final drink before departing. (This is similar in concept to a nightcap but implies leaving, not necessarily going to bed immediately).

Related Idioms

• "Cap off the night": To finish or conclude the evening, often with a special event or drink. This idiom uses "cap" metaphorically, not the exact word "nightcap".
  • Let's cap off the night with a nightcap at the bar.

Noun

1. the final game of a double header
2. a cloth cap worn in bed
3. an alcoholic drink taken at bedtime; often alcoholic