afternoon

noun

af·​ter·​noon ˌaf-tər-ˈnün 

1

: the part of day between noon and sunset

2

: a relatively late period (as of time or life)

in the afternoon of the 19th century

afternoon adjective

Synonyms

• afterlife
• age
• autumn
• evening

Examples of afternoon in a Sentence

morning, afternoon, evening, and night

I'll see you again tomorrow afternoon.

It was early afternoon when I left.

She spent the afternoon at the library.

I remember the many rainy afternoons I spent reading at the library.

She doesn't have class on Friday afternoons.

It took us all afternoon to get there.

It's going to be a long afternoon listening to lectures.

Recent Examples on the Web

And the forecast calls for a 60% chance of rain and thunderstorms this Sunday afternoon along the same route in Fort Lauderdale, according to the National Weather Service in Miami. —Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 21 June 2025

Daytime temperatures may reach 97 degrees on Saturday, with a peak afternoon heat index of 106, according to the National Weather Service. —William Tong, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025

On a sunny afternoon, there are few better spots than Rockwater’s roof terrace, where sea views stretch endlessly and the salt air enhances every mouthful. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

Skechers Bobs Desert Kiss Peak Look Slide Sandals Whether summer plans include a tropical vacation or sunny afternoons spent in your backyard, these Skechers slide sandals are a wardrobe must-have. —Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English afternone, from after- after- + none noon

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing afternoon

• good afternoon
• make a day/night/morning/afternoon/evening of it
• the other day/night/morning/afternoon/evening
• this afternoon

Rhymes for afternoon

• forenoon
• honeymoon
• laocoon
• opportune
• pantaloon
• picayune
• tablespoon
• attune
• baboon
• balloon
• bassoon
• buffoon

Kids Definition

afternoon

noun

af·​ter·​noon ˌaf-tər-ˈnün 

: the part of day between noon and sunset

afternoon adjective