hourglass

[ouuhr-glas, -glahs, ou-er-]

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.

adjective

1. having a notably slim or narrow waist, midsection, or joining segment.

   She has an hourglass figure.

hourglass

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of hourglass¹

First recorded in 1505–15; hour + glass

Example Sentences

“Do you see that hourglass marking that’s skinny in the middle and wider on its sides?”

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In some cases, models have been sent out with padding around their hips to create the hourglass shape.

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But then, an hourglass turns and time winds back.

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“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.”

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

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Related Words

• timer