o'clock

adverb

o'·​clock ə-ˈkläk How to pronounce o'clock (audio)
ō-
1
: according to the clock
the time is three o'clock
2
used for indicating position or direction as if on a clock dial that is oriented vertically or horizontally
an airplane approaching at six o'clock

Examples of o'clock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Twelve o'clock high: WWII-era B-17 coming to Indy for flights, tours next month The Indianapolis-to-Phoenix flight is one of 28 new routes Allegiant announced this week nationwide. Fox59, Indianapolis Star, 20 June 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'o'clock.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

contraction of of the clock

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of o'clock was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near o'clock

Cite this Entry

“O'clock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/o%27clock. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

o'clock

adverb
o'·​clock ə-ˈkläk How to pronounce o'clock (audio)
1
: according to the clock
the time is three o'clock
2
used for indicating position or direction as if on a clock dial
an airplane approaching at eleven o'clock

More from Merriam-Webster on o'clock

Last Updated: - Definition revised
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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