o'clock

American  

[uh-klok] / əˈklɒk /

adverb

1. of, by, or according to the clock (used in specifying the hour of the day).

   It is now 4 o'clock.

2. according to a method for indicating relative position whereby a plane in space is considered to be numbered as a clock's face, with 12 o'clock considered as directly ahead in horizontal position or straight up in vertical position.

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o'clock British  

/ əˈklɒk /

adverb

1. used after a number from one to twelve to indicate the hour of the day or night

2. used after a number to indicate direction or position relative to the observer, twelve o'clock being directly ahead or overhead and other positions being obtained by comparisons with a clock face

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Etymology

Origin of o'clock

First recorded in 1710–20; from o', a reduced form of of; see o' + clock ¹ ( def. )

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

o'clock

It was just after 5 o’clock in the morning on a dreary day, and fortunately, no ships were nearby.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 19, 2026

Others live in the former coal patch towns that encircle the small city of Hazleton, where weathered vinyl-sided homes with soiled awnings line the streets and the taverns fill up by five o’clock.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 27, 2026

"The one I filmed the other day was at six o'clock and they were coming back around at nine," he said.

From BBC ● Sep. 19, 2026

He’d go to bed probably at midnight, one o’clock, and he’s up taking the kids to school, he’s mountain biking, and he’s ready to roll.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2026

“Don’t think she’s had time. The two of them arrived unannounced on her doorstep at eight o’clock last night,” Celia says.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko

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