chronotype

American

[kroh-nuh-tahyp, kron-uh-, kroh-noh-] / ˈkroʊ nəˌtaɪp, ˈkrɒn ə-, ˈkroʊ noʊ- /

noun

the tendency to be naturally more active or wakeful at a particular period of the day, varying in humans by individual and stage of life, and sometimes linked to other behaviors or to personality type.

Typical office schedules cater to those with a morning chronotype, but some workers may be most productive in the late afternoon.
Chronotype reflects a spectrum ranging from extreme preference for morning activity to extreme preference for evening activity.

Etymology

Origin of chronotype

First recorded in 1970–75; chrono- ( def. ) + type ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The remaining 67% were categorized as having an "intermediate" chronotype if they were unsure or said they were neither clearly a morning nor evening person.

From Science Daily

The researchers identified several notable patterns when comparing chronotype groups:

From Science Daily

The link between evening chronotype and lower heart health scores was stronger among women than among men.

From Science Daily

The American Heart Association scientific statement led by Knutson also recommends taking chronotype into account when planning treatment or lifestyle interventions.

From Science Daily

"Some medications or therapies work best when they align with a specific time of relevant circadian rhythms, and this time will vary depending on whether you are a morning, intermediate, or evening chronotype," she said.

From Science Daily

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023