hours

hours · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Plural of hour; multiple periods of 60 minutes each.

  2. 2.

    The scheduled period during which a business or office is open.

  3. 3.

    A long time.

  4. 4.

    Times of work or activity.

  5. 5.

    Specific times for prayers in monasteries (canonical hours).

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    after hours — after the normal time of business
  • •
    working hours — the time during which work is done
  • •
    keep regular hours — maintain a consistent schedule
  • •
    small hours — the early morning hours (1-4 AM)
  • •
    for hours on end — for a very long time continuously
  • •
    all hours — at any time, especially late at night

Related words

See also: hour, period, schedule, time
Synonyms: periods, times

Etymology

From Old French "ore" (hour), from Latin "hōra" (hour, time, season), from Greek "hōra" (season, time of day, hour). The plural form takes on specialized meanings related to business schedules and extended periods.