o'clock

[ uh-klok ]

/ əˈklɒk /

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adverb

of, by, or according to the clock (used in specifying the hour of the day): It is now 4 o'clock.

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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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of o'clock

First recorded in 1710–20; from o', a reduced form of of;see o' + clock¹

Words nearby o'clock

ocker, Ockham, Ockham's razor, Ockham, William of, ockodols, o'clock, Ocmulgee, “O Come, All Ye Faithful”, oconee-bells, O'Connell, O'Connor

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use o'clock in a sentence

The metrosexual, along with his tell-tale five o clock trunk shadow, was born.
The Return of Chest Hair|Jessi Klein|December 16, 2008|DAILY BEAST
About nine o clock the said cheney died about fore in the afternoon We had another alarm but their was nothing done.
The Military Journals of Two Private Soldiers, 1758-1775|Abraham Tomlinson
Margery usually left home at seven o clock in the morning, and the first house she called at was Farmer Wilson's.
Goody Two Shoes|Anonymous
He took the house; and used to let himself into it with a latch-key at about ten o clock every night.
Put Yourself in His Place|Charles Reade

The sun was pouring over his coverlet and the clock stood reproachfully at nine o clock.
Making Money|Owen Johnson
Two o clock; the cold wet fog Bears down in dripping banks: Ah, here they comethe dirty hounds In swinging, serried ranks!
Trench Ballads and Other Verses|Erwin Clarkson Garrett

British Dictionary definitions for o'clock

o'clock

/ (əˈklɒk) /

adverb

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

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

Word Origin for o'clock

C18: abbreviation for of the clock

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012