1. a musical composition inspired by or evocative of the night
2. a part of the office of matins originally said at night
Usage: ecclesiastical

Examples

• The pianist performed a beautiful nocturn by Chopin.
• Her latest nocturn captures the peaceful atmosphere of midnight.
• The composer wrote several nocturns for solo piano.
• The monks gathered to chant the nocturn before dawn.
• This nocturn has a dreamy, contemplative quality.
• The nocturn was traditionally sung during night prayers.