happy hour

noun

1. a cocktail hour or longer period at a bar, during which drinks are served at reduced prices or with free snacks:

   happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m.

happy hour

noun

1. a time, usually in the early evening, when some pubs or bars sell drinks at reduced prices

Word History and Origins

Origin of happy hour¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Idioms and Phrases

A period in the late afternoon or early evening when a bar or lounge features drinks at reduced prices. For example, The hotel bar has a happy hour from five to seven every day . [1960s]

Example Sentences

As the crowd sucked down the debate happy-hour specials in the hours before the debate, a worried frisson settled over them.

From The Daily Beast

With a Republican frontrunner weaker than a happy-hour margarita and a significantly reshuffled deck of challengers.

From The Daily Beast

They should spend more time in the kitchen and less time worrying about the specials and happy-hour board.

From The Daily Beast

The happy hour shall come, all the more appreciated because it comes unexpectedly.

From Project Gutenberg

The day wears away, and at length comes the happy hour when gown and slippers may be brought into requisition.

From Project Gutenberg

Looking back afterwards that seemed to Judith to be the last happy hour she had with Nancy for some time.

From Project Gutenberg

The change he marked was not the influence of the present happy hour; a stronger and less recent power had done the magic work.

From Project Gutenberg

And now, as the happy hour of his departure was quickly approaching, he became silent for a little.

From Project Gutenberg