Added 9 October 2026
o'clock
/əˈklɒk/ adverb
adverb Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about o'clock at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
adverb
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In conjunction with a numeral, indicates the time within a twelve-hour period (midnight to noon or noon to midnight), specifically the time when the hour hand of a clock points precisely to the symbol or marking corresponding to the designated numeral, i.e., at the hour.
We are expected to be there at six o'clock in the morning!
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Used to indicate that it is time to do a specific action, or time for a specific action to occur.
I'm feeling peckish; I think it must be nearly dinner o'clock.
- In conjunction with a numeral, indicates the direction, relative to the speaker or a vehicle, especially an aircraft, corresponding to the direction the hour hand is pointing at the time corresponding to the numeral, with twelve representing directly ahead on a horizontal plane, or directly up on a vertical plane, and three being to the right on either.
Origin
Shortened form of "of the clock", from Middle English of the clokke [from late 14th c.].
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)