after hours

1 of 2

phrase

: after the regular quitting or closing time
: engaged in or operating after a legal or conventional closing time
after-hours drinking
an after-hours club

Examples of after hours in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Phrase
Both were open even during Lee’s December visit, with views over Yoyogi Park providing a picturesque setting to unwind after hours of exploring. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 30 Sep. 2026 William Shatner made his heavy metal debut Saturday at a Riot Fest Chicago after hours gig, covering artists like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica with the actor’s new band the *uckers. — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2026
Adjective
Three people were killed and four more were injured when an argument led to gunfire at an after-hours strip club Sunday morning in Detroit, officials said. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026 By harnessing these tools, many clinicians report saving an hour per day on documentation, reducing after-hours work and reclaiming their personal time. — Sameer Bhat, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for after hours

Word History

First Known Use

Phrase

1781, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of after hours was in 1781

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“After hours.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/after%20hours. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster