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

Staff are flocking to Morgan’s for lunches and happy hours, and people outside the mothership have had to work their connections to try to snag a table.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I think he’s running out of steam,” a few of my D.C. happy hour comrades confessed Wednesday after the hearings, “Or he’s really sicker than he lets on.”

From Salon

Chang’s, overhauled Red Lobster’s menu, introduced a happy hour and freshened up the marketing.

From The Wall Street Journal

They offer a wide selection of fish and seafood, along with a daily happy hour with great deals.

From Salon

Mitchell says the happy hour is always a good time and a chance to “show up as your authentic self, be in community and queen out with your girls.”

From Los Angeles Times