Nocturnes (en. Nocturnal)

/nɔk.tyʁn/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
Musical composition inspired by the night.
Chopin wrote several nocturnes that evoke a peaceful atmosphere.
Chopin a écrit plusieurs nocturnes qui évoquent une atmosphère paisible.
Artwork representing nocturnal scenes.
The artist's paintings show nocturnes full of mystery.
Les peintures de l'artiste montrent des nocturnes pleins de mystère.

Etymology

From Latin 'nocturnus', meaning related to the night.

Common Phrases and Expressions

summer nocturnes
Referring to the sweet summer evenings, often associated with music.
nocturnes d'été
moonlit nocturnes
Evokes scenes or activities at night under the moon.
nocturnes au clair de lune
to write a nocturne
To compose music or a work inspired by the night.
écrire un nocturne

Related Words

night
Period of time between dusk and dawn.
nuit
dark
Absence of light, often associated with the night.
sombre
lunar
Related to the moon, often linked to nocturnal evocations.
lunaire

Slang Meanings

Night out with friends.
We had nocturnes at the clubs this weekend.
On a fait des nocturnes dans les clubs ce week-end.
To have a late activity.
He has taken to having nocturnes to finish his work.
Il a pris l'habitude de faire des nocturnes pour finir son travail.