Diurnal vs Nocturnal: What’s the Difference?
The difference at a glance
Diurnal refers to creatures or processes that are active during the day, whereas nocturnal describes those active at night. Use diurnal when discussing sun-cycle patterns and nocturnal for nighttime behaviors.
Example sentences are illustrative learning examples, not verified quotations.
What does Diurnal mean?
adjective · /daɪˈɜː.nəl/
Active during the day, as opposed to nocturnal. Also describes processes or events that occur during the day or repeat daily. Most humans and many birds are diurnal; bats, owls, and many insects are nocturnal.
Explore DiurnalDiurnal in a sentence
Most birds of prey are diurnal — hunting by sight requires light, and light is the day's gift.
Her insomnia had made her inadvertently nocturnal; she was trying to reset to diurnal before the job started.
What does Nocturnal mean?
adjective · /nɒkˈtɜːnəl/
Done, occurring, or active at night; of or relating to the night; (of an animal) active or hunting at night rather than during the day.
Explore NocturnalNocturnal in a sentence
She was nocturnal by temperament — ideas came more easily after midnight, when the daytime noise had settled.
The nocturnal city is a different city: quieter, more honest, with its edges visible.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Diurnal and Nocturnal?
Diurnal refers to creatures or processes that are active during the day, whereas nocturnal describes those active at night. Use diurnal when discussing sun-cycle patterns and nocturnal for nighttime behaviors.
What does Diurnal mean?
Active during the day, as opposed to nocturnal. Also describes processes or events that occur during the day or repeat daily. Most humans and many birds are diurnal; bats, owls, and many insects are nocturnal.
What does Nocturnal mean?
Done, occurring, or active at night; of or relating to the night; (of an animal) active or hunting at night rather than during the day.