hourglass

American  

[ouuhr-glas, -glahs, ou-er-] / ˈaʊərˌglæs, -ˌglɑs, ˈaʊ ər- /

noun

1. an instrument for measuring time, consisting of two bulbs of glass joined by a narrow passage through which a quantity of sand or mercury runs in just an hour.

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adjective

1. having a notably slim or narrow waist, midsection, or joining segment.

   She has an hourglass figure.

hourglass British  

/ ˈaʊəˌɡlɑːs /

noun

1. a device consisting of two transparent chambers linked by a narrow channel, containing a quantity of sand that takes a specified time to trickle to one chamber from the other

2. (modifier) well-proportioned with a small waist

   an hourglass figure

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Etymology

Origin of hourglass

First recorded in 1505–15; hour + glass

Example Sentences

Not only that, but one that is a mash-up of an Hermès Birkin, a Celine Luggage bag, a Dior Saddle Bag and a Balenciaga Hourglass?

From New York Times • Feb. 12, 2024

She says that £19.5m was reported to Hourglass as stolen, defrauded or coerced from older victims in 2022 - a 50% increase on the period from 2017-2019.

From BBC • Nov. 25, 2023

The cost of the label's curvy Hourglass handbags in size small and extra-small, for instance, has risen by 3.5-4% to 17,500 yuan and 11,550 yuan respectively.

From Reuters • Feb. 16, 2022

TEMECULA, Calif. – Laughter filled the Farquhar house on Hourglass Street in this Southern California wine town tucked at the foot of the Temescal Mountains, and the mood felt light on a summer Saturday.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 17, 2018

Dr. Gowdy had a column or two in the Hourglass on one day in the week, but Meyer, Van Horn, and Co. had a whole page every week-day and a double one on Sunday.

From Under the Skylights by Fuller, Henry Blake

Related Words

• timer