before the hour
idiom
—used with a certain number of minutes to indicate how long before the beginning of an hour something will happen
Trains leave the station every hour at ten minutes before the hour.
Examples of before the hour in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Bench brings no joy If any evidence was required for how Arteta viewed the opportunity to go nine points clear, then look no further than the four changes before the hour mark.
—
Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2026
In 1991, after the U.S. and Soviet Union signed the START treaty reducing strategic nuclear stockpiles, the clock was turned back to 17 minutes before the hour.
—Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 9 Jan. 2026
Ekitike replaced Isak just before the hour mark and was involved immediately, holding the ball up impressively and pressing the opposition intensely, much to the delight of the fans, who sang his name.
—James Nalton, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
When leaving the store, be sure to head across the street right before the hour to watch the clock chime—Mr. Fortnum pops out to bow to Mr. Mason.
For Foodies
Although English cuisine is often overlooked, London is a surprisingly robust foodie destination.
—Ellen Lecompte, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2025
Angel City trailed Racing Louisville FC twice, including by two goals just before the hour mark.
—Damian Calhoun, Daily News, 25 May 2025
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Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2026
In 1991, after the U.S. and Soviet Union signed the START treaty reducing strategic nuclear stockpiles, the clock was turned back to 17 minutes before the hour.
—Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 9 Jan. 2026
Ekitike replaced Isak just before the hour mark and was involved immediately, holding the ball up impressively and pressing the opposition intensely, much to the delight of the fans, who sang his name.
—James Nalton, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
When leaving the store, be sure to head across the street right before the hour to watch the clock chime—Mr. Fortnum pops out to bow to Mr. Mason.
For Foodies
Although English cuisine is often overlooked, London is a surprisingly robust foodie destination.
—Ellen Lecompte, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2025
Angel City trailed Racing Louisville FC twice, including by two goals just before the hour mark.
—Damian Calhoun, Daily News, 25 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Before the hour.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/before%20the%20hour. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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