afternoon

af-ter-noon · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The time from noon or lunchtime to evening; typically from 12 p.m. to about 6 p.m.

  2. 2.

    (As greeting or exclamation) Used to greet someone during the afternoon hours.

Forms

plural: afternoons

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    good afternoon — A polite greeting used during afternoon hours.
  • •
    this afternoon — During the afternoon of the current day.
  • •
    in the afternoon — During any afternoon.
  • •
    afternoon tea — A light meal or snack taken in the mid-afternoon, especially in British culture.
  • •
    afternoon nap — A short sleep taken during the afternoon; siesta.

Related words

Antonyms: evening, morning
See also: evening, morning, noon
Synonyms: pm

Etymology

Compound of after + noon, from Middle English. The word has been used since the 14th century to denote the period following midday.