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]