hourly

1 of 2

adverb

hour·​ly ˈau̇(-ə)r-lē 

: at or during every hour

also : frequently, continually

hourly

2 of 2

adjective

1

a

: occurring hour by hour

hourly bus service

b

: frequent, continual

in hourly expectation of the rain's stopping

2

: computed in terms of an hour

an hourly wage

3

: paid by the hour

hourly workers

Synonyms

Adverb

• constantly
• often
• frequently
• repeatedly
• continually

Examples of hourly in a Sentence

Adverb

she checks her phone for messages hourly

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

Union casino workers will earn an average $35 hourly, including benefits, by the end of it. —Diane Brady, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2025

The average American interacts with software daily, almost hourly. —John Spencer-Taylor, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025

Adjective

In 2022, Delta Air Lines became the first major carrier to pay flight attendants for boarding time, at 50% of their hourly rate, to stave off a unionization drive. —Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025

The company’s structure for associations features set monthly fees and flat hourly rates for any maintenance needs. —Jason Phillips, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

circa 1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for hourly

• sourly

Kids Definition

hourly

adjective

hour·​ly

ˈau̇(ə)r-lē

1

: occurring every hour

hourly bus service

2

: figured in terms of one hour

hourly wages

hourly adverb