good night

1. A phrase used to wish someone well, as when leaving or going to bed. Good night, honey. Sweet dreams. It was great you see you guys—goodnight! Well, there's my train. Good night, fellas!

2. An expression of dismay or annoyance. Good night, Paul—I can't believe you don't know how to change the ink in the printer. A: "There's really no need to get upset." B: "Well, I disagree, so good night to you!" I refuse to stick around here and be treated as a laughingstock, so good night!

good night

1. Expression of farewell used when parting at night or when going to sleep, as in He stood at the door, saying good night to each of the departing guests, or Mother came to tuck the children in and kiss them good night. [Late 1300s]

2. Exclamation of surprise or irritation, as in Good night, Joe!-You can't mean what you said, or Good night, Anne-it's time you learned how to throw a ball. [Late 1800s]

See also: good, night

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

See also:

References in periodicals archive

* FAST OUT: You look better after a good night''s sleep

Zzzzzzz, sleep's so good you

The Good Night is the directorial debut of Gwyneth's brother Jade Paltrow.

Martin's close encounters

Drinking alcohol might put you out, but won't guarantee a good night's rest for it can prevent deep (or delta) sleep and increase the need to awaken to urinate.

A long winter's nap

Since its existence, Med Gen has continued to develop its "sprays the way" technology, and in 2003 introduced Good Night's Sleep(R) to the $1.5 billion sleep-aid market.

AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTOR PROMOTES SNORING RELIEF FORMULA

Exclusive openers "Good Night, and Good Luck- and "The Squid and the

Prestige pix pack houses

Here are all the NSNs you'll need to get a good night's sleep:

It's not all or nothing

("Do not push gently into that good night.") She called it a trendy issue, "morally hollow," where "merciful death is but a shallow platitude" used by those who want to be relieved of the burden of caring for someone who is desperately ill, or infirm, or frail.

Media coverage

In the three rectangles of a composition a la Rothko we read the simple greetings, "Good day," "Good evening," and "Good night." The communitarian bent of A Gentil Carioca thus strikes us as aptly served by an exhibition whose humble, familial sensitivity is most touching.

Jarbas Lopes: a Gentil Carioca Gallery

And I certainly don't want to kiss a dinosaur good night. How do you say good night to a dinosaur?"

How do you say good night to a dinosaur?

Sofie Margaret rushes from her bedroom, clad in pink pajamas, her hair dripping from the bath, to wish me good night.

A father and deaf child learn new ways to communicate

Bottom line: A good night's sleep does more to improve your mood, energy level, and alertness than any amount of caffeine.

j Java: health: morning coffee isn't just for Mom and Dad anymore. But is it good for you?

Two thirds of people in Great Britain believe they should be spending more of their money on good health and less on a good night out.

Health is high on Great Britain's agenda. (Short Takes: News at Deadline)

* Do you feel more fatigued than usual and a day off with a good night of sleep doesn't refresh you?

Preventing overtraining syndrome. (American Running Association)

Getting a good night's sleep may lead to a healthier life.

Catch your Zzzzzzzzs. (Health)