Meaning & use

carpe noctem

phrase·Advanced

A Latin phrase urging someone to make full use of the night, especially by enjoying nightlife or staying up to accomplish something.

See it in a sentence

The students embraced carpe noctem, staying up until dawn to finish their art project and celebrate together.

Carpe noctem, she said, as the city's lights came alive and the party was only just beginning.

A note on using this word

A playful variation on the more famous Latin phrase carpe diem (seize the day), used specifically about nighttime activities rather than the whole day.

Words with a similar meaning

seize the night

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “carpe noctem”, then compare your use with the examples above.

Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.