happy hour

American  

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.

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happy hour British  

noun

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

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happy hour Idioms  

1. 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]

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Etymology

Origin of happy hour

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

The real action took place during hundreds of happy hours, invite-only dinners and exclusive yacht parties where nerds have never been so cool.

From The Wall Street Journal

They asked him about hosting happy hours for the company at the brewery and distillery he is opening downtown, which is now decorated with fall banners and hay bales.

From The Wall Street Journal

It started with the welcome happy hour in the observation lounge on Sunday afternoon led by an engaging flight attendant-turned-bartender.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We could have had the Joan Crawford and Bette Davis holiday happy hour, but we had to wait until Jinkx and DeLa took it on.”

From Los Angeles Times

If you sit at the bar, you can get happy hour all night.

From Los Angeles Times