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. )

Example Sentences

PETALUMA, Calif.—Whiskers are spreading across American politics like a five o’clock shadow.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

"On the Saturday, you go in at eight o'clock in the morning, you have your hair done for an hour, so you might be having hair pieces and whatnot added," she said.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

"Now you're wearing this for the minute you walk in the door to the minute we leave the classroom at 3 o'clock."

From BBC • May 18, 2026

“To know that people are lining up as early as 5 o’clock in the morning, because it’s that important to them, tells me that the need is just so great,” said L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

Or, you could ask if eight o’clock still works.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam