rush hour

noun

: a period of the day when the demands especially of traffic or business are at a peak

Examples of rush hour in a Sentence

We got caught in the morning rush hour.
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.
To help keep road traffic moving during rush hour, the Southeast 17th Street bridge in Fort Lauderdale won’t open for boaters during peak weekday travel times. Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2026 The highways that make up and lead to Kansas City’s downtown loop were closed for about an hour after Thursday morning’s rush hour after police responded to a person experiencing a mental health crisis in the area, a police spokesperson said. Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 2026 The weather also delayed 161 flights at San Diego International Airport and dropped enough rain to make freeways slick during the morning rush hour. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026 MnDOT has expressed concern that removing travel lanes will lead to more traffic congestion, especially during morning and evening rush hours, and possible traffic spillover into neighborhoods surrounding the interstate. Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rush hour

Word History

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rush hour was in 1878

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rush hour.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rush%20hour. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

rush hour

noun
: a period of the day when traffic is very heavy or business is very brisk
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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