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

But then, an hourglass turns and time winds back.

From Los Angeles Times

“She is like an infinite hourglass, and in time, she will receive all the credit that she deserves for following her muse and selecting such an honest musical path.”

From Los Angeles Times

The hourglass silhouette – the cinched in waist and fuller skirt – felt pointed and intentional.

From BBC

Both have hourglass markings, but the black widow’s is bright red, while the brown widow’s is orange.

From Los Angeles Times

“The hourglass sand bag complemented the sand-treated dress and was the icing on the cake, not to mention the theatrics of her ‘walk’ on the carpet.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• timer